Professional American Pit Bull Terrier

 

Professional American Pit Bull Terrier Nutrition

The American Pit Bull Terrier is a strong, athletic breed that benefits from a nutrient-rich diet tailored to support their energy levels and muscle development. As professionals specializing in this breed, it's important we understand their nutritional needs to keep them lean, fit and healthy.

Calculating Nutrient Requirements

Several factors determine the calorie and nutrient requirements for APBTs:

Age

• Puppies need diets specially formulated for growth with higher protein for muscle development and fat for energy. As adults their needs will change.
• Adult APBTs from 1-7 years need maintenance diets to fuel their active lifestyles. Nutrient levels should reduce as activity decreases.
• Senior APBTs over 7 may become less active requiring fewer calories to prevent obesity but still needing adequate protein, vitamins and minerals.

Size

• Typical male APBTs range from 45-60 lbs; females 35-50 lbs.
• Larger or smaller APBTs have different calorie needs adjusted simply for weight.

Activity Level

• Active APBTs needing higher energy get 30% more calories than typical. Less active ones may need 20% less to maintain ideal body condition.

• APBT Activity Level Guidelines

Activity Level	Description
Typical	Normal exercise like daily walks and playtime
Active	Participating in sports, competition training, or very active owners
Inactive	Minimal required exercise due to health limitations

Key Nutrients for APBT Health

APBT nutrition should meet requirements established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) for growth and reproduction:

Protein

• Provides amino acids to build and maintain muscle mass crucial for athleticism.
• Recommended: minimum of 18% dry matter basis.
• Sources: animal-based proteins like chicken, lamb and fish considered optimum quality.

Fats

• Concentrated energy source to fuel high activity levels. Also aids absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
• Recommended: 15-30% dry matter basis from high-quality animal sources.
• Sources: animal fats like chicken fat preferable to plant-based oils which may cause digestive upset.

Vitamins & Minerals

• Support bone health, metabolism, immunity, muscle function and more.
• Recommendations: AAFCO minimum requirements or above.
• Sources: bioavailable forms that are easily absorbed ideal.

Hydration

• Water supports all functions of life and is often overlooked in nutrition.
• Access to fresh, clean water is vital for athletic breeds.

Diet Types for Professional Needs

Various types of diets allow meeting unique nutritional requirements professionally.

Kibble Diets

• Most convenient and economical option. Look for premium brands meeting AAFCO standards.
• Offer variety through diet rotation and toppers to enhance palatability and nutritional diversity.

Fresh/Frozen Raw Diets

• Contains raw meat, bones and organs to mimic ancestral diets.
• Ensures high digestibility and nutritional availability with natural enzymes intact.
• Requires maintaining strict hygiene to prevent bacterial risks.
• Provides teeth cleaning benefits by chewing meaty bones.

Dehydrated/Freeze-Dried Raw

• Retains benefits of raw while minimizing handling and storage inconveniences.
• Water must be added prior to feeding to rehydrate.
• Very palatable texture enhances appetite appeal.

Homemade Cooked Diets

• Fully customized to your APBT's needs under vet supervision.
• Extensive owner effort preparing balanced recipes and meeting safety standards.
• Useful for managing allergies and intestinal issues.

Regardless the diet approach used, working closely with veterinary nutrition specialists is imperative to meet each APBT patient's health needs. Continuing education on the latest APBT research supports our professional capabilities for delivering optimal nutrition counsel.

Feeding Guidelines for Growth & Maintenance

Following breed-appropriate feeding guidelines provides APBTs the fuel required to thrive at every life stage:

Puppy (8 weeks - 1 year)

• Requires specially formulated puppy diets for proper growth.
• Feed 3 scheduled meals per day until 6 months old.
• Transition to 2 meals daily from 6-12 months old.
• Feed puppy diets until at least 1 year old for large and giant breed puppies.

Adult Maintenance Feeding

• Shift to adult diets following puppyhood based on size and activity.
• Feed 2 meals per day by dividing daily caloric needs.
• Adjust quantity or diet type depending on body condition changes.
• Measure using standard 8 oz/250 mL measuring cups for accuracy.

Senior/Geriatric Feeding

• Begin transitioning to senior diets around 5 years old.
• Feed 2 meals daily with possible caloric reductions if less active.
• Increase vitamin E, C and omega-3s to reduce oxidative damage of aging.
• Monitor body condition closely and have blood work done bi-annually.

As respected APBT professionals, we must set the standard for appropriately fueling these incredible athletes at all life stages through science-based nutrition that considers their unique requirements. By pairing our expertise with premium diets formulated specifically for pit bull-type breeds, we can fulfill our ethical duty providing the functional nutrition needed for our APBT patients to thrive.