whats the best dog food for bullies
Best Dog Food For American Bully (2023)
Finding the best dog food for American Bully can be a challenge if you are a new adopter of this wonderful breed.
With so many choices out there, knowing good quality Bully food from poor quality Bully food is a tricky task.
American Bully foods can be derived from dry, wet, or raw food diets. The foods should contain up to 30% protein and 20% fat to provide your Bully with sufficient energy and support for muscle growth.
The amounts and regularity in which you feed your American Bully will differ based on the breed variety and age.
Younger Bullies need more protein and more regular feeding, while adult Bullies need less protein and can be fed less frequently.
Top 5 Dog Foods For American Bullies
Were here to help you navigate the market by reviewing the 10 best bully foods available to buy this year. We will also give insights into the Bullys nutritional needs and feeding practices.
We aim to leave you feeling confident in the types of foods you should purchase for your American Bully.
1. Bully Max High-Performance Dog Food
Best Dog Food For American Bully (Editors Choice)
The number one ingredient in this dog meal is the chicken meal, which is a meat concentrate with 300% more protein than fresh chicken.
The second ingredient is brown rice, an easily digestible complex carbohydrate. Aside from the natural energy content, rice has a modest nutritional value for your dog.
Chicken fat is the third ingredient obtained from rendering chicken, a similar process to making soup with skimmed fat from a liquid surface. Chicken fat has linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid needed for life.
As a by-product of sugar beet processing, beet pulp is also a controversial ingredient high in fiber. It has blood sugar and intestinal benefits.
There is also sorghum which is a starchy cereal grain similar to corn. It is gluten-free and boasts smoother blood sugar behavior. Barley is a starchy carbohydrate that supplies fiber with other healthy nutrients.
This dog meal also has flaxseed, a healthy plant with omega-3 fatty acids rich in soluble fiber. There is also the menhaden fish meal, a protein-rich ingredient obtained from clean, dried, and ground whole fish cuttings.
Pros
- Only 5star rated performance dog food
- Unique meat-based formula
- It has no corn, wheat, or soya
- All natural ingredients
- For all dog ages
Cons
2. ORIJEN Dog Original Recipe
Runner-Up
Let your dog grow healthy with the power of Protein-rich recipes that nourish as nature intended.
Due to their ancestral carnivorous nature, dogs need a diet rich in whole animal products. This dog food has high-quality raw animal ingredients like turkey, cage-free eggs, and free-run chicken.
Orijen has whole prey animals with succulent parts and nutrient-dense parts of the prey to deliver the dogs nutrition.
They are coated with the freeze-dried liver to enhance flavor and palatability, naturally making the food delicious.
Pros
- Vitamins, minerals, and proteins are abundant in this food.
- The liver is gently freeze-dried to enhance its flavor and natural palatability.
- Fresh and raw protein
Cons
- The difference in quality between Canadian and Us version ingredients. customers
3. Taste Of The Wild Roasted Bison and Venison
Best Budget Friendly Dog Food For American Bullies
Modern science has shown that the dog shares DNA with the wolf. The domestication of dogs has resulted in them becoming long-lasting best friends through years of excellent care.
However, their DNA remains the same, while the taste demands something of the wild. Diet should offer them all the right ingredients and nutrition needed to thrive.
Sweet potatoes and peas are a grain-free recipe with highly digestible energy necessary for an active dog. They are made with real roasted to give a taste of sensation.
They are supplemented with fruits and vegetables to get antioxidants for your dogs healthy lifestyle. Dogs crave a taste of the wild. Therefore, this diet has it all.
This dry dog food has real meat as the number one ingredient, with high protein to support joints and bones and lean and strong muscles.
It is nutrient-rich and provides energy that makes the dog thrive. The vitamins and minerals are from superfoods and fruits, while the omega fatty acids are for a healthy coat and skin.
Every meal serving has specific K proprietary probiotics inclusive of prebiotics and antioxidants that support healthy digestion and general health by boosting the immune system.
Pros
- They are easily digestible with a healthy blend of prebiotics and fiber.
- They have hydrolyzed protein that reduces Gi tract and skin issues caused by common proteins in dog food.
- This dog food is safe for dogs with food sensitivities.
Cons
- According to the FDA, the food is linked to chronic heart disease; hence do more research before purchasing it.
4. Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin And Stomach Dog
Best Dog Food For American Bullies With Sensitive Stomach
The Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Dog food is ideal for adult American Bullies who have stomach sensitivity. The product is based on a salmon and rice formula which includes live probiotics to improve digestion.
The oatmeal base is easy to chew and also is unlikely to irritate the bowel system. The product uses salmon as the first ingredient to ensure it contains a high protein content to allow your Bully to have good energy throughout the day.
The kibble also contains sunflower oil which is known for containing mega-6 fatty acids. These nutrients promote a healthy coat.
The fish oil derived from salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids which are great for developing mobility and joint health.
Better digestion is also enabled through natural prebiotic fiber which nourishes bacteria located in the intestines.
The Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach kibble remove artificial flavors as well as soy, corn, and wheat to create a great-tasting product for American Bullies who have a dodgy tummy.
Pros
- Easy to chew and digest
- Contains live probiotics to support gut and immune system health
- Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids support healthy joints and smooth skin
- High protein to give energy throughout the day
Cons
- May not solve allergy issues
5. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Chicken And Brown Rice
Best Dog Food For Senior American Bullies
The Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Chicken and Brown Rice is a great dog food choice for adult American Bullies.
True to form, Blue Buffalo always prioritizes raw meat as the primary ingredient. For this product, real chicken is the first ingredient and serves to ensure your dog has strong muscles and maintains a solid physique.
The product is ideal for senior American Bullies because it contains glucosamine and chondroitin. These nutrients provide essential proteins to give your senior Bully that extra mobility boost and strength to the joints.
This Blue Buffalo dog food has been precision engineered by animal nutritionists and vets to provide the best immune system support for senior dogs. The product also provides a great oxidative balance.
To ensure the product is digested well, there are no chicken by-products such as wheat, corn, or soy in the kibble. The priority is natural protein and other natural ingredients such as vegetables, fruit, and healthy whole grains.
The product is available in a variety of pack sizes from 5 to 34-pound packs, giving you great choice in the amount you want to purchase.
Pros
- Precision-engineered to support the nutritional needs of senior dogs
- Natural protein and ingredients to give the benefits of a raw diet
- No harmful additives
- Provides instructions for how to transition to Buffalo Blue food
Cons
- May be uncomfortable for dogs with sensitive stomachs
6. Taste Of The Wild Roasted Fowl
Taste of the Wild Roasted Fowl dry dog food is another great high-protein choice for your American Bully.
The food is known for its high protein content of 32% and supports the generation and maintenance of the Bullys strong, muscular physique as well as strong bones and joints.
The food can support these functions due to it being rich in a variety of nutrients. The product contains superfoods high in essential; vitamins and minerals, while also containing omega fatty acids which maintain a healthy coat.
Every serving of the food includes K9 Strain Proprietary Probiotics which provide great support to the immune system and the digestive system. Dogs with sensitive stomachs will also benefit from eating Taste of the Wild dry food.
The Taste of the Wild range is produced by a family-owned business based in the US. You can be assured that they use only the finest quality ingredients to create a globally acclaimed dry dog food product.
Pros
- High protein content to support muscle growth
- Contains omega fatty acids to improve skin and coat health
- Produced with high-quality raw ingredients
Cons
- Wild Roasted Fowl flavor may not be liked by all dogs
7. Wellness CORE Grain-Free High-Protein
The Wellness CORE Grain-Free High-Protein dog food is a protein-rich dry dog food that is guaranteed to make your dog thrive.
Containing an expert balance of nutrients from superfoods, this product is both tasty and healthy in good measure.
A great option with the Wellness CORE range is that the foods are available with or without grain so are perfect for dogs who are sensitive to grains.
The high concentration of protein in the food ensures your Bully will have leaner body mass and improved muscle tone, which is ideal given the American Bully has a muscular physique.
Your dogs skin and coat are also supported by the Wellness CORE ingredients. The food includes salmon oil and flaxseed which both contain omega fatty acids.
Wellness CORE also has holistic body development in mind by including antioxidants, probiotics, glucosamine, and taurine in dog food which improves heart health. This will allow your American Bully to be active and switch on throughout the day.
Wellness CORE are always on the lookout for the best, latest foods to incorporate into their recipes, which reassures you that the product is made with the dogs best interests at heart.
Pros
- Available in grain or grain-free varieties
- Supports holistic development through a balance of nutrients
- Comprised of high protein, high nutrient superfoods
Cons
- Can cause diarrhea in dogs with sensitive stomachs
8. Wellness Complete Natural Whitefish
The Wellness Complete Natural Whitefish dog food is one of the most popular dog foods for adult American Bullies. The primary ingredient of the product is white fish accompanied by sweet potato.
The product is great for providing your dog with a high-protein, tasty meal. The kibble is made with oatmeal which supports digestion but also makes the kibble extra crunchy so your dog will also get textural stimulation.
The crunchy kibble does not contain any meat byproducts or artificial flavors, making them as close as possible to the nutrient level of a raw diet.
The kibble is expertly engineered to provide support for those needing an immunity boost, raising energy levels, and greater bone health.
Given the dense, robust bone structure of American Bullies, finding foods that boost bone strength is essential to keep your pup healthy.
The Wellness brand offers a wide range of high-quality dry and wet dog food products for you to consider, as well as nutritional supplements.
Pros
- Extra crunch kibble to stimulate your dog
- Whitefishs primary ingredient gives high protein and omega-3 fatty acids
- Supports immune system development and bone strength
Cons
- The smell can be off-putting
- Can cause gas in your dog
9. Purina Pro Plan Performance Formula
The Purina Pro Plan Performance Formula is ideal for American Bullies because it is designed for high-energy dogs. The food is created with salmon as the primary ingredient, along with rice to make the food digestible.
This option of dry dog food by Purina caters well to dogs of all ages. The food supports maximum endurance due to the high concentration of nutrients which increase oxygen metabolism.
The key to performance is quick and easy digestion. The Performance Formula ensures the 30/20 breakdown of salmon and rice.
High protein gives energy while the rice allows the digestion system to quickly break the food down by providing fat fuels. This formula will also break down the amino acids that are built up after intense exercise.
The Performance Formula will also ensure your Bully has a lush coat due to the vitamin A and omega-6 fatty acids. While good joint health and mobility are assured with the omega-3 fatty acid.
Pros
- 30/20 salmon rice breakdown supports performance by breaking down amino acids
- Smooth, shiny coat due to omega-6 fatty acids
- Ideal for energetic American Bullies
Cons
- Recent recipe changes may not suit all dogs
10. Merrick With Real Chicken And Sweet Potato
The Merrick Dry Dog Food with real chicken and sweet potato is a grain-free recipe that is perfect for American Bullies.
Merrick uses real deboned chicken as the primary ingredient to give the food a high protein content. In total, the food is 65% protein with the remaining 35% broken down into fiber, minerals, vitamins, and other ingredients.
The focus on natural ingredients ensures that your dog is getting quality nutrition. 84% of the protein in the food derives from animal sources and allows your dog to have an increased energy source while maintaining its body weight.
The food also contains omega fatty acids which ensure your dog will look great by having a shiny coat and healthy-looking.
The inclusion of nutrients such as glucosamine and chondroitin also maintains sturdy joints that candle the robust daily activities of an American Bully.
Merrick provides a range of pack choices for you to choose from, starting with a 4-pound back to a 30-pound pack. The kibble type is also available in other flavors including lamb, duck, salmon, or Texas beef.
Pros
- Wide range of flavor options
- High protein using real meat as the primary ingredient
- Provides a balance of nutrients to give joint support and good skin health
Cons
- Not suited to younger Bullies
- Can cause upset in dogs with sensitive stomachs
American Bully Nutritional Needs
Choosing a quality diet for your American Bully is essential to support their long-term health. Therefore, having a grasp of the nutritional needs of American Bullies is essential.
Adult dogs on average consume 30 calories for each pound in body weight. Therefore an American Bully needs to consume anywhere between 900 to 1,800 calories per day, depending on the variety. As the breed is muscular, the amount per pound may increase up to 40 calories.
Protein
You may be surprised to learn that dogs are omnivorous. This means that your American Bully could survive on both plant-based and animal-based proteins, assuming both are consumed from a range of quality products.
However, to thrive, dogs should be encouraged to get protein from animals as this replicates their ancestry who would hunt animals in the wild.
The advantage of meat is that it contains amino acids which are known for being great for developing muscle tissue.
Dogs need a total of 22 amino acids to achieve this complex growth process and only half of these acids are already contained in the body.
The other half is produced by quality meat sources. Look for dog food that contains real chicken, salmon, lamb, beef, and turkey and you will provide your dog with sufficient protein.
Ultimately, you should aim for dog foods with a protein content of at least 30%. The need for protein is greater as your Bully is younger because they need more protein to supplement growth. The amount needed will reduce as they age.
Another factor affecting the amount of protein you need to provide your American Bully is its lifestyle. If your dog is very energetic and exercises a lot, you will likely need to find foods with higher protein compared to more docile dogs.
Fat
American Bullies should consume foods that contain roughly 10 to 20 percent fat. A good balance of healthy fats can help your dog absorb essential vitamins while also improving the skin and coat health.
Quality fats are typically found in oils derived from vegetables or poultry.
Diets that are higher in fat will taste very nice and may be suitable for very active dogs. However, for your average American Bully, watching the amount of fat consumed is important to ensure a healthy dog.
Omega
Omega fatty acids are important for the nutritional needs of an American Bully. These oils which are found in fish oil, animal oil, or flaxseed provide support for brain and eye development.
Omega fatty acids also provide your Bully with a smooth coat and healthy skin. Bullies are particularly sensitive to skin issues so be sure to include food products with plenty of omega.
The recommended amount of omega in a Bullys diet is a maximum of 280 mg per 100 kcal.
Carbohydrates And Fiber
Carbohydrates are important as when digested they transform into glucose. Glucose is needed to give the body energy to function. Glucose also supports brain function.
For active dogs, carbohydrates will quickly be burned. However, less active dogs will store the unused glycogen as fat and will bulk up, so you need to be wary about the level of carbs provided to your American Bully.
Most dry dog foods are processed with carbohydrates such as rice or potato to keep the kibble form and structure.
The crunch kibble also supports cleaning the dogs teeth and absorption of nutrients such as fiber. Good fiber such as oat bran or brown rice is found in carbohydrates and is important to include in a Bullys diet to improve digestion.
Growing dogs should have foods with 20% carbohydrates and this can reduce as the dog ages.
American Bully Feeding Schedule
As with all dog breeds, establishing a good regular feeding schedule is important as it creates a healthy routine for your Bully and gives them time across the day to digest and burn calories.
During the first few months, you will need to feed your American Bully puppy four times per day as its digestive system isnt fully developed.
As they are growing rapidly, they are also fast-burning calories. As they transition to kibble, they should consume to 1 cup per day.
From 12 weeks to 6 months, the regularity of meals will reduce to three meals per day, and should be fed 1 to 2 cups of food per day.
While in adulthood this can be reduced further to two meals per day and the amount of food consumed can range from 2 to 4 cups per day depending on the size.
Selecting appropriate feeding times is important so that you can fit around your schedule while also ensuring your Bully is never waiting too long or cluster feeding.
If feeding times are too far or too close together, your Bullys blood sugar levels will be affected and can influence their temperament.
A good routine to consider is feeding first thing at 7 am and then again during lunch at 1 pm, with an evening feed at 7 pm. For an adult Bully, the first feed can be pushed to late morning and the evening feed to late afternoon.
Wet Food Vs Dry Dog Food For American Bully
Wet and dry dog food has benefits for American Bullies.
Both are readily available with plenty of varieties available. Both food types are also packed with the necessary nutrition that an American Bully needs to thrive.
They can also both be easily portioned up so you can feel reassured you are feeding your Bully appropriate amounts.
Wet dog foods contain some health benefits that dry food cannot provide.
The moisture content stored with wet food provides hydration to an American Bully. This can be particularly helpful when your dog struggles to drink water. Wet foods also offer a greater range of smells and flavors to enjoy.
Dry dog foods such as kibble are ideal for encouraging your Bully to chew. Chewing is necessary to support healthy teeth growth and strength, while the chewing process can also clean the dogs teeth and remove tartar. Dry kibble is very affordable and widely available.
The crunchy texture of dry foods also gives textural stimulation to your Bully, which can encourage them to eat well.
An advantage of dry kibble is that it is longer lasting and easier to store which prevents wastage.
Is Raw Diet Good Or Bad For American Bullies?
Like any diet, a raw food diet has its strengths and weaknesses for American Bullies.
An American Bully raw diet will include foods such as:
- Raw meat
- Bone
- Fresh vegetables and fruit, and
- Dairy products.
Many households opt for a raw diet because it provides the highest concentration of quality ingredients while containing no additives.
A raw food diet also mirrors the ancestry of canines who have been hunting game for years gone by.
Always consult your vet if you are considering a raw diet for your American Bully as their advice will be catered to the specific needs of your Bully.
The broadly acknowledged benefits of a raw diet for an American Bully include:
- Improves skin and coat health the rich concentration of nutrients in raw food strengthens hair follicles to make the Bully coats slicker and shinier.
- Higher energy levels raw foods have natural proteins and fats which absorb into the system faster. This improves the overall energy and stamina of an American Bully.
- Better muscular development Bullies are known for their muscular physique, so access to raw, natural proteins increase muscle strength.
A common risk associated with a raw food diet is raw food contains harmful bacteria if not treated properly. Digesting these bacteria can cause illness in your dog.
Ingredients To Avoid When Feeding Your American Bully
There are some foods and liquids which should not be fed to your American Bully as they can pose a health risk, even in the smallest of portions. These items are listed below.
- Chocolate frequently desired by humans, your Bully may also be tempted to have a nibble. However, chocolate should never be fed to a Bully because it contains methylxanthines which is a substance that is harmful to dogs. The substance is known for stopping the metabolic process in canines which is an essential body function and can prove fatal.
- Onions this common vegetable contains chemicals that can cause anemia in dogs so should be avoided.
- Avocados increasingly popular in the 21st Century, the healthy, fatty fruit should not be fed to your American Bully. The fruit contains persin acid which is proven to be toxic in dogs.
- Grapes and raisins while seemingly harmful to humans, these fruits can cause kidney failure in American Bullies.
- Alcohol you probably thought alcohol is not appropriate for your Bully, and you are correct. Even the smallest drop of alcohol can cause damage to the nervous system of your Bully and also cause diarrhea. Be wary if your dog is lurking when there is a leaky can of booze.
What To Do If Your American Bully Puppy Doesnt Want To Eat?
If your puppy is refusing to eat you should first understand the underlying cause of the lack of appetite. Knowing this will impact how you then react.
If your Bully puppy has lost their appetite only for a few days before returning to normal with no lasting symptoms, you likely have nothing to worry about.
However, if the loss of appetite stretches beyond three days without any improvements, you should get a vet consultation as soon as possible.
The vet will be quick to diagnose the issue and recommend treatments or special diet plans to revive your Bullys appetite.
Sometimes behavioral issues can be the cause of a lack of eating. In this instance, you can think about the foods you are providing and your feeding schedule.
You can also reduce the number of treats to ensure your Bully is hungry enough at meal times.
What To Do If YourAmerican Bully Has A Sensitive Stomach?
If your American Bully is suffering with a sensitive stomach you should consider homemade or commercial diets suited to its needs.
Consider products such as the Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Dog or make plain foods such as white rice and boiled chicken as these foods are easier to digest.
Causes of a sensitive stomach include food poisoning, allergies, ulcers, intestinal blockage or overeating.
Whenever your Bully is trying a new food, be vigilant to see if it causes them any stomach issues. Be careful if youre following a raw food diet as meats and dairy can contain harmful bacteria causing stomach upset.
Can You Free Feed Your American Bully?
Free feeding is the practice where food is readily available throughout the day for your American Bully to access.
This approach is not recommended for American Bullies as they tend to prefer a strict routine.
Free feeding can have its benefits as it is convenient for busy households who are unable to attend mealtimes. However, the lack of regulation can negatively affect your dogs relationship to food and cause them to gain weight.
A consistent feeding schedule with specified portions is recommended for American Bullies.
Switching From AmericanBully Puppy Food To Adult Food
As your American Bully enters adolescence and the beginnings of adulthood, they can transition to adult food. This tends to occur between the age of 12 to 18 months.
The transition from puppy to adult food should be carefully managed as your dogs body will need time to adjust to the new food.
You should start with a small portion of adult mixed with puppy food and slowly increase the proportion of adult food.
During this period you should also closely observe the dogs behavior and stool to see if they are tolerating the food.
If they are not digesting well or have a behavior change, it may be too early so reduce the amount of adult food consumed.
Final Words
Our choice for the best dog food for American Bullies is the Bully Max Performance Super Premium Dog Food.
This food is specifically tailored to the American Bully dog breed, providing a high protein, high-fat meal option which is suitable for Bullies from 4 weeks of age through to adulthood. This product is one of the few precision-engineered foods for Bullies and is very highly regarded.
When looking at the best food for American Bullies, you should consider the balance of nutrients such as protein, fat, carbohydrates, and fiber.
All of these nutrients support essential body functions such as muscle growth, digestion, and skin health.
There are a wide variety of options available, so our recommendation is to spend time looking at the ingredients to ensure the food provides adequate nutrition.
