Best Dog Foods For The American Bully: Puppies, Adults & Seniors

Looking for the best dog food for your American Bully? There is a lot to know about this impressive breed. The American Bully is a Pitbull type dog, but he is not a Pitbull. He is a natural extension of the American Pitbull Terrier (APBT) breed. Because of this, he has developed his own appearance and temperament over the centuries. He was finally recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) as a breed in his own right in 2013, but other breed registries, such as the American Kennel Club, do not recognize the breed.

His breed is heavily influenced by the APBT, American Bulldog, English Bulldog, and Olde English Bulldogge, all of which are muscular and heavy-set dogs. Some registries, such as the American Bully Kennel Club, recognize the different sizes of the American Bully, including the standard, pocket, XL, and classic. The UKC only recognizes one size, that being the standard. In this guide, we will be looking at the nutritional needs of the standard-sized American Bully.

Measuring 16 to 20 inches from paw to shoulder, but with no set weight, the American Bully is seen as a medium-sized dog, but one who is packing serious muscles. In our comprehensive guide, we will run you through the specifics of each of his life stages, including puppy, adult, and senior. With reviews and recommendations about specific foods, we are here to help make this process easier for you. We have also included a section for the overweight American Bully – so let’s take a closer look at the best dog food for the American Bully.

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American Bully Puppy Nutrient Needs

Prospective owners often ask, “what do you feed an American Bully?” These stocky pups have a lot of growing to do, and the MSD Veterinary Manual recommends that puppies need a protein content of at least 22%. However, because of their large muscle mass, it should be more in the region of 26%. Real meats and meat meals provide high-quality protein, and they should all be identifiable.

These ingredients are also full of glucosamine, which is important to support his joints that are soon to carry a lot of weight, and omega fatty acids that will support his eye and brain function, as well as overall development. Many Pitbull types dogs are known to have skin sensitivities, so other omega-fatty ingredients, including fish, fish oils, animal fat, and flaxseeds, will nourish his skin, as does vitamin E, biotin, and folic acid.

Ingredients found in mothers’ milk, such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and arachidonic acid (ARA), are super important during puppyhood and can be found in omega fatty acids and egg products. Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants found in fruit, vegetables, and added supplements will also support his developing immune system.

Puppyhood is arguably the most important nutritional stage, as it will set the foundations for a healthy body, so whatever kibble you decide to feed him, make sure it is specifically designed for puppies, as they will provide him everything he needs to develop as he should. Finding the best dog food for your American Bully during their puppy stage is more important than any other life stage.

Adult American Bully Nutrient Needs

Between 12 and 18 months, you will need to transition your American Bully to an adult kibble slowly. During adulthood, the MSD Manual suggests that dogs should eat kibble that will provide them with a minimum protein content of 18%, but for dogs with a larger muscle mass, it should lean more towards 23%.

The number of calories that an American Bully will need will be dependent on his weight and whether he leads an energetic lifestyle or a sedentary one, but typically he will need between 900 and 1,300 calories. But be sure to follow package instructions using his weight and age, and if he starts to become overweight, reduce the amount you feed him.

Omega fatty acids are still important for the American Bully and his potential skin issues, and vitamins and minerals are still important to support his overall health. A well-balanced diet is key here, and all high-quality kibbles will provide him with what he needs to remain healthy. People often ask if the American Bully needs special food. They do not. They do, however, need food that is high in protein and low in carbs. Keep in mind that this breed can sometimes develop food allergies. Owners may need to try a few foods before they find the one that works best for their pet.

Senior American Bully Nutrient Needs

Your American Bully will be considered a senior at around the age of 8 years, so when the time comes, you should slowly transition him to a senior kibble. As his body ages and becomes frailer, his nutritional needs change, and as such, it is important to feed him senior kibble as they will focus on what he needs.

He will need much less energy compared to his younger self. Otherwise, you risk that he will become overweight, which will put further strain on his already weakening joints that are carrying a lot of Bully weight. Ingredients such as meat meals with high levels of glucosamine and chondroitin, and added supplements, are crucial for joint support.

His digestive system and metabolism will begin to slow, and as such, he cannot digest fats efficiently, so a lower fat content is needed. However, omega fatty acids from the ingredients described above will keep him healthy and nourish his skin and coat. Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants are important during his senior years as they will boost his aging immune system and help him to fight illnesses and diseases.

Best Dog Food For American Bully Puppies

American Bully puppies need higher calorie counts and higher protein/fat counts when they are young. They need this because of their aggressive growth scale and high muscle density. They are large breed puppies and as such, need a large breed puppy formula. In order to pack on lots of lean muscle prior to adulthood, they need the right dry kibble that will support their growth trajectory. There are several brands you can choose from, and each will support your American Bully’s nutritional needs.

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This recipe is made for those puppies who go crazy for the taste of salmon and other fish, so if your American Bully is a little fussy, this might be the option for him. It is packed full of omega fatty acids, which is fantastic for his brain and eye development thanks to DHA and EPA, as well as bone and joint support. For the puppy stage, it’s one of the best dog foods for an American Bully.

It has the lowest calorie count, which may be best for those Bullies who seem to be putting on too much weight, according to the growth charts, without losing any other crucial puppy nutrients. It has high-fiber content, and with probiotic ingredients such as lactobacillus acidophilus, his digestive system is well cared for.

We love that this recipe lists salmon and ocean fish as the only protein sources, so it will nourish his skin and coat with omega fatty acids. It’s also ranked well against other well-known brands like Orijen.

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Deboned chicken, chicken meal, and turkey meal are the first three ingredients in this list, which are fantastic sources of lean protein for his large muscle mass and energy needs. Peas, chickpeas, and sweet potatoes replace the need for grains and provide energy, fiber, and other nutrients.

Fructooligosaccharide is an ingredient that encourages the growth of gut-friendly bacteria. With the high fiber content and dried beet pulp, his digestive system will be supported with every bite. Carrots, blueberries, and dried kelp support his immunity and keep his bones strong.

We love that this American Journey recipe is budget-friendly and it is high-quality compared to other products in a similar pricing band.

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Despite listing grains in the ingredients list, this recipe has the lowest fiber content. This can be important for some puppies who struggle with too much fiber. It still supports optimal digestion. Dried egg products and salmon meal provide omega fatty acids. Carrots, apples, and added vitamins and minerals support his immunity.

Deboned chicken and chicken meal are the first two ingredients on this list. This kibble provides the largest amount of glucosamine which is important for the American Bully and his heavily laden joints.

We love that this recipe is grain inclusive. This is important for American Bullies whose digestive system functions much better with gentle grains.

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This is a high-protein recipe thanks to the variety of meats listed. The ingredients include beef, lamb, venison, and fish meal. It’s full of amino acids and DHA for his muscle mass. And it’s also packed with a meaty taste that American Bullies love. It is made with their exclusive LifeSource Bits, which are nutrient-dense with optimized puppy nutrients. This is a popular puppy formula similar to American Journey.

Peas, potatoes, and sweet potatoes replace the need for grains for his energy and fiber needs. Fruits and vitamin supplements for his developing immune system are also listed. Flaxseed, canola oil, biotin, fish oils, and vitamin E all nourish his coat and skin.

We love that this recipe lists no chicken or poultry ingredients, which makes it a fantastic option for those American Bullies who are allergic to these common ingredients.

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This protein-rich recipe lists deboned chicken, chicken meal, and turkey meal as the first three ingredients. It’s full of protein for healthy muscle development and strength and puppy growing power. This is another grain-free recipe using potatoes and peas as energy sources.

Bananas, spinach, broccoli, apples, and apples provide a variety of antioxidants and vitamins. Each kibble piece is coated with a probiotic solution to aid his digestive system with every bite. Flaxseed and fish oils ensure his skin and coat are nourished.

We love that this recipe has the highest protein content. This makes it a great choice for those American Bullies who are very active.

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Best Dog Food For Adult American Bullies

As American Bullies get to adulthood, you need to transition them to adult formula dog food. This typically happens around 12 to 15 months of age. During this time, you’ll want to pull back on the calorie count you feed your pup. This is to prevent them from getting overweight, as American Bullies have a tendency to do. Below you’ll find our favorite foods for your American Bully as they move into adulthood.

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This recipe is fulfilling thanks to the wholesome, human-grade ingredients. Whatever flavor you choose, the first ingredient is always meat, providing your pooch with protein that’s full of rich nutrients for his skin, coat, and cognitive function. This can be one of the best foods for an American Bully with allergies due to the limited, high-quality ingredients.

Fresh vegetables provide his immune system with antioxidants while the protein keeps his bones and teeth strong. While this food is grain-free, mixing in some freshly cooked rice is a great way to add in some additional carbs and fiber while supporting a healthy balance for your pup’s diet and your wallet. For the adult stage, this is one of the best dog foods for an American Bully.

We love that this recipe is made with all fresh ingredients and flash-frozen to ship directly to you.

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Protein ingredients, including chicken, chicken meal, herring meal, freeze-dried chicken, menhaden fish meal, and freeze-dried chicken liver and heart, are listed, which are full of essential amino acids and nutrients for his big muscles, as well as being big in flavor. They are also rich in omega fatty acids and glucosamine for bones and joints.

Raw pieces are added to the kibble mix, which also adds texture to his bowl, and they are boosted with a probiotic solution to aid his digestive tract. Added vitamins and mineral supplements will strengthen his immune system too.

We love that this recipe has the highest protein content on this list, which is great for those extra energetic or performing American Bullies.

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This is another grain-inclusive option, and easy-to-digest ingredients such as brown rice, oatmeal, chia seeds, and quinoa provide energy, fiber, and omega fatty acids for his coat. Probiotic ingredients such as lactobacillus acidophilus support his gastrointestinal tract, but it still offers the lowest fiber content for those dogs who do better on such a diet.

Deboned chicken, chicken meal, and turkey meal provide the protein content to maintain his muscle mass, as well as being super tasty.

We love that this recipe has leading levels of glucosamine and chondroitin, which is important to support the heavily laden bones and joints of American Bullies.

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Deboned beef, fish meal, deboned lamb, and venison are the meaty protein sources in this recipe. This provides plenty of energy and power for his stocky, muscular frame. The LifeSource Bits are included, which are full of the nutrients needed for adult life. Antioxidants such as blueberries and cranberries keep his immune system strong.

This is a grain-free but high-fiber food. The prebiotic fibers and probiotic ingredients guarantee digestive support with every kibble piece. If you are looking for a grain-free recipe, this formula is one of the best dog foods for an American Bully. Blue Buffalo is a premium brand and is often compared to other brands like Science Diet when it comes to quality.

We love that this recipe is completely chicken and poultry free, so it is great for those American Bullies who are allergic to these ingredients.

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This recipe has the second-highest protein content on this list. This is great for his muscle needs, and they also provide him with glucosamine and chondroitin for strong bones and joints.

It is also rich in nutrients thanks to added vitamin and minerals supplements and wholesome veggies such as kale, broccoli, and spinach. Flaxseed, salmon oil, and vitamin E take care of his skin and coat, and each kibble piece is coated in a probiotic solution that supports healthy gut flora.

We love that this recipe is protein-rich and lists lean deboned turkey, turkey meal, and chicken meal.

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Best Dog Food For Senior American Bullies

As your American Bully crosses the 7-year mark, they will start needing fewer calories and higher fiber content while still maintaining protein content. Senior dogs have different nutrient needs as well. You need to make sure they have food that contains antioxidants and vitamins to boost their immune system. There are several great brands you can select for your senior American Bully, with our favorites listed below.

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This recipe is made with lean proteins and meat meals. They provide omega fatty acids for his skin and coat health. This formula also includes glucosamine that helps to support his weakening joints. This is a grain-free food that uses low glycemic prebiotic fibrous ingredients. The ingredients contain sweet potato and chickpeas to ensure that he gets enough energy.

In addition to the prebiotic fibers, it has probiotic ingredients and strains. This makes it an easy-to-digest recipe, as well as listing L-carnitine to support his slowing metabolism.

We love that this recipe’s protein sources are salmon, trout, and turkey. They are all full of omega fatty acids to nourish his skin, coat, and joints. For the senior life stage, this is one of the best dog foods for an American Bully.

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This recipe uses gentle grains such as brown rice and barley. This provides energy and fiber. This dog food also has one of the highest-fiber contents, which will help to keep him feeling fuller for longer. Deboned chicken is the first ingredient. Chicken and turkey meals provide omega fatty acids and glucosamine for his joints.

Taurine is listed, which supports cardiac health. Blueberries and cranberries, as well as vitamin and mineral supplements, all contribute towards maintaining a strong immune system.

We love that this recipe is grain inclusive. Some American Bullies do much better with grains, depending on how sensitive their stomachs are.

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This grain-free recipe has a high protein content and deboned chicken. It also contains chicken meal and salmon meal as the first three ingredients. Not only is this great for his muscles and joints, but it will also satisfy his taste buds too. Vitamin supplements and apples help to achieve a healthy oxidative state.

Omega fatty acids can be found in fish oils and chicken fat. Prebiotic fibers such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and peas also support his digestive system.

We love that this recipe has market-leading levels of glucosamine and chondroitin. This will help to support his aging bones and joints.

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This recipe is still chicken and poultry free, which is great for those Bullies who do not like these ingredients. Flaxseed and fish oils will nourish his drying skin and coat. Dried egg products will provide his brain with cognitive support.

Deboned beef and fish meal provide his muscles with maintenance power and joints with glucosamine. The LifeSource Bits provide his body with optimized senior nutrients. Blueberries, cranberries, and supplements provide a variety of vitamins too.

We love that this recipe has one of the highest-fiber contents. It’s great for those American Bullies whose digestive tracts do much better on a high-fiber diet.

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This recipe completes the protein-rich Core set. It’s great for muscular Bullies who are energetic even in their senior years. Deboned turkey and chicken meal are lean and full of glucosamine for his joints. It also contains omega fatty acids for his skin and coat health. The salmon oil and flaxseed content contribute towards this too.

Spinach, broccoli, carrots, apples and blueberries, and kale provide vitamins and nutrients. This will help your pup’s body with the vitamins it needs to stay fit and healthy. The kibble pieces are fortified with added supplements and probiotics for overall wellness and digestive health.

We love that this recipe is protein-rich. This helps continue to support the American Bully’s large muscle mass in his senior years.

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Best Food For Overweight American Bullies

If you find that your Bully is quickly piling on the pounds, then it’s time to taper back calories. You’ll want to switch him to a weight management kibble. These formulas contain less fat and energy. They also have a high fiber content to help him feel fuller for longer. This will help your pup lose weight and prevent further weight-related health concerns from developing.

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This grain-free recipe is still protein-rich, which is important for the American Bully. It’s needed due to his muscle mass, which has a 25% fat reduction compared to the original formula. The protein content is 33%, the fat content is 10%, and the calorie count is 360 per cup. At 12%, the fiber content is extremely high, which means that he will feel much fuller for longer.

We love Wellness Core for weight loss. It’s budget-friendly and is widely regarded by most pet owners as a good weight-loss food for your pup.

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This grain-inclusive recipe uses brown rice and barley, which is gentle on his digestive system. The protein content is 25% thanks to chicken and chicken meal. The fat content is 9%, the fiber content is 9%, and the calorie count per cup is 304. For overweight pups, this is one of the best dog foods for an American Bully.

We love most of American Journey’s recipes. You can find out more about why we are fans in our American Journey Dog Food Review.

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Final Thoughts

The American Bully is a big breed that needs a lot of meaty protein to promote large muscle mass.  American Bullies also need omega fatty acids for their skin, all of which can be found in our recommendations above. There are other foods you may consider for your pup. You are sure to find the best dog food for your American Bully by sticking with our favorites.