25 Best Foods for an Overweight Pit Bull

25 Best Dog Foods for a Pit Bull That Needs to Lose Weight

Have you had the thyroid levels checked? That’s been the number one reason dogs I’ve owned couldn’t lose weight. Cutting food back, low calories food, and thyroid check. I have two dogs with a low thyroid right now, on meds, weight came right off and they weren’t sluggish anymore.

Author: Jessica H.

Likes: 8

My dog was once overweight. Because of that weight, she teared a ligament in her knee, and it cost me 4500$ to fix. I didn’t understand because I would feed her the exact same amount as years before. I realised my dad and his girlfriend were giving her a huge amount of treats I allowed them to give her 1 treat each per day, and I adjusted the amount of food I gave her in consideration of those 2 treats. She went back to a healthy weight in under 1 year. It is very important to control the amount of food and treats we give them, in consideration of the amount of exercise they get in a day. I did not change the food I gave her, just the amounts. Good luck

Author: Kim L.

Likes: 20

I used hill’s science diet perfect weight and my dog lost 22 lbs!!

Author: Jann S.

Likes: 2

I used Blue Buffalo Adult Healthy Weight chicken and brown rice.

Author: Patricia D.

Likes: 10

Have you tried Science Diet Metabolic?

Author: Dawn Marie Harvatovich C.

Likes: 2

I cook for my dog, baked chicken, semi-raw hamburger patties, lamb, pork, and plain sausage I degrease. I also cook baked potato, both russet and sweet, rice noodles, broccoli, cauliflower and peas. She doesn’t like green beans but loves red, yellow and orange bell peppers. Absolutely nothing with onion, it is toxic. I also use pre and probiotics and alittle iodized salt, Italian seasonings, thyme and paprika. Treats area usually the cause of weight gain. I read labels on everything I feed her. Good luck

Author: Lana Vander S.

Likes: 5

With my pit I used blue buffalo. She had allergies that affected her skin and the bb helped with that also

Author: Cheryl R.

Likes: 0

My mastiff/pit was overweight and dislocated his knee. So he needed it off! I put him on Fromm weight management, fruitables (weight loss) He was 158 now he is 125!

Author: Bobbi M.

Likes: 1

I had a pittie that was overweight by about 20 lbs. I was able to get her to lose the weight by cutting back her normal dog food we fed her. Instead of giving her two cups I would give her 1 cup. Then, I would replace the other cup of food with about a handful of steamed green beans (I would always get the kind you stick in the microwave). Mix the green beans and dog food together. She loved it and ate every bit. She thought she was getting this special treat but the green beans just acted as a healthy filler. I also took her on small walks to help as well. But she ended up losing the 20 lbs. The vet had said she was going to need surgery but after she lost the weight, he said she no longer needed the surgery (for her knees and hips).

Author: Jessica T.

Likes: 0

Our pit/ Lab mix Maggie needed to have surgery on a torn ligament due to weight. She weighed almost 79lbs. Some our fault some bc she’s a food hog & would eat the others food if they didn’t. My vet recommended Beneful healthy weight dog food. I fed her that (still do) with green beans I added when I reduced the amount she normally got. And no more treats. She only got carrots, apples & strawberries (she loves them frozen) for treats. She now weighs 52lbs. It helps that she loves walks & healed great after surgery with weight loss, & her walks.

Author: Bessie P.

Likes: 1

Less treats!!! I feed mine Pedigree, half hard, half soft. It’s the treats that have ALOT of calories. Give them carrots, green beans. Mine like green beans frozen. Make sure they get exercise EVERYDAY! Best of luck!!

Author: Carol E.

Likes: 0

My Pit/English bulldog mix had to be switched to Diamond Naturals for medium breed puppy!!! It has been a total game changer!!!! His weight is perfect and his muscle tone is amazing!!!! We were feeding Purina Proplan Puppy, as suggested by our vet, and we had the same issue!! Once we switched…. everything changed…for the better!!! Lol

Author: Britt M.

Likes: 0

Have you tried anything that is grain free? Those usually work for our dog. My boyfriend buys Rachel Ray’s grain free. He also feeds him so much twice a day so the bowl isn’t full at all times.

Author: Mellisa G.

Likes: 0

Hill’s Science Diet Weight Management or Metabolic, You could also talk to your vet about Purina ProPlan OM for Overweight Management. Please don’t feed anything Grain Free, we’ve had a few cases of Dilated Cardiomyopathy at our clinic from feeding Grain Free foods, there is a list on the FDA website of Foods linked to Dilated Cardiomyopathy in dogs. Good luck with your furbaby!

Author: Patricia Williams D.

Likes: 0

I went with Diamond sporting dog. Gives them the nutrients but not the extra calories

Author: Star C.

Likes: 0

Royal Canin weight control or Purina’s Pro Plan weight control. Both are good high quality dog foods which are made in the USA. Exercise too , low impact. I have a pit who had both knees done (what an expense) . She has lost weight about 18-20 lbs and she needed that weight loss. My vet is happy and if my vet is happy so am I.

Author: Sharon H.

Likes: 0

My dog was up to 76lb at one point, from people food someone else was giving her. She ended up with early onset arthritis in both of her hips and one knee. I’ve always had her on Nutro, but switched to the Healthy Weight one. She has been on this particular food for 2 years now, I cut back her food a bit so she could still have some treats. She lost 13lbs in a year and a half. Obviously with exercise as well, but she loves the food and never misses a meal!

Author: Christina D.

Likes: 2

We’ve had good luck with Gentle Giants, kibble and soft food.

Author: Jack C.

Likes: 2

Try Iams healthy weight. My pits lost over 30lbs on this and maintain their weight. Vet recommended

Author: Mandy L.

Likes: 0

Fresh pet is good..that is all I feed PJ. It’s in the cooler section of the store.

Author: Kimberly N.

Likes: 0

I use beneful healthy weight dog food.

Author: Keith J.

Likes: 0

Purina one, that’s what my vet told me to get and my dog doesn’t have ear infections anymore and is back to a healthy weight. My dog gets 2 cups a day but he’s a 75-80lb pitbull so the amount depends on what size they’re supposed to be.

Author: Heather M.

Likes: 0

My Dog was overweight when l got him not a pittie dog trainer said get him off the food l was giving him put him on fromm gold weight management the other dogs liked it also vet told me give him green beans which he loved great fiber

Author: Margaret H.

Likes: 1

Nature’s Recipe. All 3 of my dogs are on it. We get the Salmon, Sweet Potato, and Pumpkin flavor. It’s amazing and they love the flavor as well.

Author: Trish C.

Likes: 0

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Foods for an Overweight Pit Bull

1. What are the best types of food to help my overweight Pit Bull lose weight?
   The best foods for an overweight Pit Bull are high in lean protein, low in fat, and contain moderate levels of fiber. Look for dog foods labeled as “weight management” or “low-calorie” that include real meat (like chicken or turkey), whole grains (like brown rice or oatmeal), and vegetables. Avoid foods with artificial fillers, added sugars, and high-fat content.

2. How many calories should my overweight Pit Bull eat per day?
   An average adult Pit Bull typically needs 800 to 1,200 calories per day, depending on their age, weight, and activity level. For weight loss, a vet may recommend reducing calorie intake by 10-20%. It’s crucial to calculate your dog’s caloric needs based on their ideal weight and consult with your vet for a tailored feeding plan.

3. Are grain-free diets good for overweight Pit Bulls?
   Grain-free diets are not inherently better for weight loss unless your dog has a grain allergy. Some grain-free options can still be high in calories and fat. Focus on calorie control and portion size over grain content, unless advised otherwise by your veterinarian.

4. Can I feed my Pit Bull homemade food for weight loss?
   Yes, but it must be nutritionally balanced. Homemade diets should include lean meats, complex carbs like sweet potatoes, and vegetables such as green beans or carrots. Always consult with a vet or pet nutritionist before switching to homemade meals to ensure all essential nutrients are covered.

5. Are there any supplements that can help with my Pit Bull’s weight loss?
   Supplements like L-carnitine, omega-3 fatty acids, and certain probiotics may support metabolism and weight management in dogs. However, they should only be used under veterinary guidance and in combination with proper diet and exercise.

6. How often should I feed my overweight Pit Bull?
   Feed your Pit Bull two to three smaller meals per day instead of one large meal. This helps regulate metabolism, keeps your dog feeling fuller longer, and may reduce begging or scavenging behaviors. Avoid free-feeding (leaving food out all day).

7. What treats are safe for overweight Pit Bulls?
   Choose low-calorie treats like baby carrots, green beans, or store-bought dog treats designed for weight control. Always account for treats in your dog’s daily calorie count. Limit treat consumption to no more than 10% of their daily caloric intake.