How Much to Feed My Pitbull Puppy: A Simple Feeding Guide!

Okay, so I decided to get a Pitbull puppy! Super exciting, but also, kinda overwhelming. The biggest question I had right away was: "How much do I actually feed this little guy?" I didn't want to overfeed or underfeed him, so I did some serious digging and experimenting. Here's what I've learned and how i do.

Figuring Out the Starting Point

First, I checked the food bag. It had some general guidelines, but honestly, it felt super vague. It was based on weight and age, but it gave a pretty wide range. Pitbull puppies grow so fast, I felt like those guidelines could be off pretty quickly.

Then, I searched online for some advice. It was so much information! And some of it was conflicting. Some folks said to feed them multiple small meals a day, others said fewer, larger meals. Lots of different opinions on the "right" amount of food.

My Puppy Feeding Experiment

Here's what I actually did:

• Started with the food bag's recommendation (as a base): I looked at the weight range for my puppy's age and started with the lower end of the suggested amount.
• Divided it into 3 meals a day: Puppies have tiny tummies, so I figured smaller, more frequent meals were better. I used a measuring cup to make sure I was being consistent.
• Watched his body condition: This was key! I learned to feel his ribs. You should be able to feel them, but they shouldn't be sticking out. If I could barely feel them, I knew he might need a bit more food. If they were super prominent, I was probably feeding him too little.
• Adjusted based on his poop: Sounds gross, I know, but it's a good indicator! If his poop was super runny, I might have been feeding him too much. If it was rock hard, he might have needed more.
• Considered activity level: On days when he was super active, running and playing a ton, I sometimes added a tiny bit extra to his meals. On lazy days, I stuck to the usual amount.
• Talked to my vet: At his first checkup, I asked my vet about his weight and my feeding plan. She gave me the thumbs up and said my approach was good. That was a relief!

What I Learned (and What Worked for Me)

What I found is that my puppy usually need around 30 calories per pound of his weight.

It's not a one-size-fits-all thing! Every puppy is different. What worked for my Pitbull puppy might not be exactly right for another. The most important thing is to pay attention to your puppy, watch their body condition, and adjust as needed. Don't be afraid to experiment a little and find what works best for your furry friend. And, of course, talk to your vet if you're ever unsure!