nutritional analysis

Question
I am going to be getting a pit bull puppy and shes a bit on the small side (maybe 40 pounds if shes lucky) I was wondering   what is the most adventageous nutritional analysis for a dog around that size (% protein, fat, carbs etc).  Also I know that some pits (any size) can have joint issues due to their build, would a large breed formula be better?  I just worry about stressing the joints by growing to fast even though shes not going to be big.

Answer
Hello Beth,
All puppies need more fat than adult dogs so don't forget this. I am not so savvy as to be able to give you percentages in the foods, but if I were you, I would pick a very High quality puppy food (such as Wellness, Wysong, Instint or the best, NATURE'S VARIETY ORGANIC, FROZEN CHICKEN) AND feed four times a day while the pup is under 6 mos. From 6 mos. up I would feed three times a day and then twice a day once in adulthood. This is an individual thing but just be sure to not overfeed. If I were you, I would add supplements such as a good probiotic and digestive enzyme and I would find a food that your pup not only tolerates but LIKES..WET AND DRY if you are so inclined. I am not an advocate of commercial dog foods because they are loaded with synthetics and all those great ingredients you usually see on the label are created in a lab--they are not natural--except for Nature's Variety but I would wait on this food until your pup is an adult. As I said in the beginning, pups needed higher fat in their diets. Of course, feeding raw is the absolute best if you know what you are doing and if you are so inclined (I never was even though I know it's best) and home cooking (again, if you know what you are doing because just home cooking alone can HURT A DOG if the owner doesn't understand about supplementing the food with the nutrients that DOG'S NEED). If you ever need any advice on dog health and supplements etc. let me know and I will either counsel you myself (dietarily, not medically) or refer you to the gal who saved my Yorkies' life with her diet and supplements. Anyway, here is something in my document repertoire on pit bulls and I hope it is helpful. This is basically for an adult dog, so keep this in mind. Hope I was just a little helpful to you in this area. Susan

4 Tips For Feeding A Happy, Healthy Pit Bull

by Jason Mann
Do you really know all there is to know about your Pit Bull's nutritional needs?

Many pet owners think they're doing what's best for their dogs when it comes to food, but in reality they rely on pure instinct more than science. Nutrition isn't a guessing game, even when it comes to your pooch.

Think about it - if you were left to feed yourself based only on what you craved and had no knowledge of what your body needs to function, would you be eating 5 servings of fruit and veggies or would you head straight for the Ding Dong case at the market?

1. Cover all of the bases.

A dog's diet can be as complex as any human's (including yours!), and it's absolutely essential that you, as an owner, hit all of the vital nutritional bases.

A deficiency of certain vitamins and nutrients can lead to upset tummies, overly dry or oily skin, brittle bones, weight issues, and, in some of the worst cases, death.

A balanced and proper diet is the building block of your dog's overall health - if he doesn't get the right blend of nutrients, the most impeccable care otherwise won't mean a thing.

But with the right diet, his defenses against disease and disorders are infinitely stronger than a dog whose owner hasn't put much thought into an eating plan.

2. Mix it up!

For the most part, pre-packaged food will help you cover all of the major nutritional requirements a healthy, fairly young dog has.

This where many owners trip up simply because of the ease of the decision.

Most think that the major choice is between dry and moist food, when in reality the best diet you can provide your dog is one varied in:

ingredients


textures


and nutritional value.
Dogs, of course, are carnivores, and that instinct remains in their blood to this day.

They continue to hunt prey, love sausage-flavored treats, and adore the great crunch they get when chowing down on a bone.

Those varied elements should give you a little bit of insight into how diverse your dog's diet can be.

3. Move beyond meat.

Building some portion of his diet from meat gives you many of the crucial nutrients he needs for energy and growth, but he also needs fiber and carbohydrates to aid in digestion and stability.

You could throw down a bowl of dry food every day and maybe give them a "treat" of moist food once a month, but how would you like it if the tables were turned and your dog insisted on feeding you pancakes every day for the rest of your life?

Not such a sunny outlook, is it?

4. Give him some green.

Your dog needs a well-balanced diet, and the best way to accomplish that is through a wide variety of ingredients.

Did you know that many dogs love veggies?

Vegetables offer a way to provide more much needed nutrients and vitamins to your dogs diet. Helping their overall health and creating a variety in their diet too.

Give it a shot and see what you - and your dog - think. After all, the worst that could happen is an improvement in your pooch's health!

In Summary
The only set rule in feeding your Pit Bull is to make sure their meals satisfy the unique nutritional requirements any dog has. You don't have to stick to the bag or the can, and you don't have to spend hours slaving away in the kitchen.

Making dishes for your dog can be a family event but if you ever decide on homecooking, do it right and LEARN about what you dog will need vitamin and nutrient wise so that the home cooking doesn't actually hurt your dog. At any rate, if you ever decide that you want more specific information on diet and supplementation I have tons. For now though, just find a very high quality food for your pup AND LEARN TO READ THE LABELS ON THOSE CANS AND BAGS. I AM DEAD SERIOUS--YOU MUST LEARN HOW VITAL IT IS TO UNDERSTAND WHAT IS IN THE FOOD YOU ARE GOING TO BUY.  Write again if you like, Susan