The American bully is an impressive and muscular dog breed which requires a nutritional diet to maintain its physique. If we talk specifically about an American bully puppy, then it needs some more care and high nutritional content.
So, being an owner, you should have an American bully puppy feeding chart and their well planned diet routine.
As your pet experiences a high growth rate in its muscles, bones and overall tissues in the body, it should be provided with more calories and all essential nutrients. This will greatly contribute to their healthy growth and development.
So, guys, this article will acknowledge you with some best foods for American bully puppies and their nutritional requirements. Moreover, it will also present how the feeding quantity varies as per their age.
Table of Contents
- 1 How much food should an American bully puppy consume?
- 2 Factors to be considered for feeding your American bully
- 3 Formula for calculating calories needed by American bully puppies
- 4 American bully puppy feeding chart
- 5 American bully puppy’s nutritional needs
- 6 Some best foods for American bully puppies
- 7 Amount of water should an American bully puppy drink?
- 8 What should not be fed to your American bully
- 9 Kibble vs wet food for American bully puppies
- 10 Switching from puppy food to adult food
- 11 How to feed your puppy?
- 12 Final ending
- 13 FAQ’s
How much food should an American bully puppy consume?
Now, the most significant question which arises is how much should you feed your American bully pet? So, this chiefly depends upon their age and weight.
Their body needs the right amount of all nutrients and vitamins to maintain their bulky appearance. If they are underfed, then it may result in different sorts of deficiencies and malnourishment in them.
On the contrary, if these canines are overfed, then it may also cause severe health problems like obesity, heart issues, diabetes etc.
Hence, it is crucial to maintain a balance between “excess” and “lack” of food being provided for them.
At the age of four weeks, American bully puppies become ready to switch from their mother’s milk to solid food. When they linger between the age of 8 and 12 weeks, they are required to be fed at least four meals a day.
This frequency decreases as their age goes on increasing. Like when they are between 12 weeks and 6 months of age, their meal schedule can be reduced to three times a day.
Remember their diet should include at least 30% of proteins, 20% of all essential fats and all types of minerals & vitamins to strengthen their muscles.
Factors to be considered for feeding your American bully
The following are the factors which are needed to be considered while planning a feeding schedule for your pet dog :
- Age of a canine
- Weight of a dog
- Activity level
- Energy level
- Brand of dog food
- Medical conditions
If your dog suffers from any medical issues, it is strongly recommended to contact your vet regarding determination of the right amount of food to be fed to it.
Formula for calculating calories needed by American bully puppies
Inorder to ascertain the number of calories needed by your American bully offspring, multiply RER (Resting Metabolic Requirement) by 2.
RER= (puppy’s weight in Kg)^3/4 multiplied by 70.
For example, if your dog is 10 kg. Their RER is 70(10)3/4 = 394. So, the total calories for your dog per day is 788 calories.
American bully puppy feeding chart
Being a stocky breed, American bullies frequently gain weight. Therefore, you should provide them with an appropriate number of calories in a day. The feeding chart of an American bully puppy will give you a thorough idea of how much food should be given to your pet to maintain its weight and health.
Age | Servings per day |
2-3 months | 3-4 meals |
3-6 months | 2-3 meals |
6-12 months | 2 meals |
Now, let’s discuss the feeding chart of these young ones in quiet detail :
1). 0-4 weeks
During the first 4 weeks of their birth, puppies consume only the milk of their mothers.
In case their mother fails to produce enough milk for their offspring, the above puppy feeding formula should be used for calculating the exact calories needed by them. Then, all nutrient availability should be ensured in their diet.
2). 4-6 weeks
From the 4 weeks of their age, American bully puppies become somewhat able to consume solid food.
Perhaps ensure that the ratio of solid food and water is 3:1 in the beginning and then gradually increase the quantity of food. But still, they intake their mother’s milk also.
3). 6-8 weeks
At this age, these puppies become ready to switch to a puppy food diet. Still add some water to their food just to avoid indigestion or stomach upset.
After some time, they get used to the solid puppies’ food, and slowly you can stop adding water to it.
4). 8-10 weeks
At 8 weeks of their age, they fully get shifted to a solid food diet and there is no need to add any water to their food. They should be fed three to four meals routinely. Offer them ¾ th cup of food per meal and establish a well organized food routine for them.
5).10-12 weeks
Between the age of 10–12 weeks of American bully dogs, their number of meal times should be decreased to three because of their heavy build.
The amount of food can also be increased or decreased as per the weight and activity level of these canines.
6).12-16 weeks
At this, these puppies become more active and experience rapid growth. Still, they should be fed 3 times a day and the quantity of food to be offered should be between 3 and 5 cups, depending upon the energy and activity level of these puppies.
7). 6 months – 12 months
When your puppy reaches the age of 6 months or above, you can decrease the servings of food to two times.
But if your pet is quite active, you could be recommended to maintain three servings only.
American bully puppy’s nutritional needs
The American bully puppies need to be provided with more attention than an adult bully. Their diet should include at least 30 % of proteins, 20% of essential fats and all essential vitamins & minerals.
Some important nutrients which should be contained in your puppy’s food are listed below :
Proteins : Protein plays an important role in maintaining and strengthening the muscles of the American bully puppy. Hence, their diet should include meat, fish, chicken and many more.
Fats : Healthy fat which is found in fish oil or flax seeds is highly beneficial for promoting the healthy, shiny and smooth coats of these puppies. It keeps their immune system healthy. Moreover, it also assists us in improving their appetite by breaking proteins and all other nutrients easily.
Vitamins : Fruits and vegetables chiefly contain different vitamins which improve the overall health of American bullies. For instance, vitamin E acts as an immunity booster, vitamin A maintains the quality of skin and furs, vitamin B12 helps in the growth of puppies etc.
Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates, fats and proteins are three major nutrients which are essential to be included in their diet. Being a muscular and active breed, American bully puppies require at least 30-70% of carbohydrate content as a source of energy. Whole grains like wheat, brown rice and oats are rich in carbohydrates.
Minerals : Minerals like phosphorus, magnesium and potassium prevent deficiency and support its growth too.
Some best foods for American bully puppies
Some of the best foods for American bullies’ puppies available in the market include :
1) ORIJEN Puppy Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food
ORIJEN puppy grain free dry food is one of the best foods fulfillig their requirements of all the nutrients and nourishment which they need for optimum growth. This dry puppy food contains raw or fresh turkey, chicken, wild fishes and cage-free eggs.
Pros :
- A rich source of protein, vitamins and minerals.
- Contain high quality animal ingredients as a core element.
- Maintain the luster of the skin and furs.
Cons :
- Some offspring of American bullies may experience constipation problems.
2) Taste of the wild pacific stream grain free food
Taste of the Wild Pacific stream is an egg-free recipe which includes salmon fish as its key ingredient. Vegetables, fruits and legumes are also included in it. It is in small kibble size, which makes the puppy easy to consume and enjoy. This food is highly suitable for pregnant mothers and puppies.
Pros :
- Rich in Omega fatty acids.
- Ensures a healthy digestive and immune system.
- Promote the health of the skin and furs of American bully puppies.
Cons :
- May result in constipation in some puppies.
3) Blue Buffalo life protection food
Blue Buffalo life protection food contains real meat, whole grains, garden fruit and veggies which support healthy growth and development of puppies. No preservatives are added to this food. It has been specially formulated for puppies.
Pros :
- Helps in building and maintaining the muscles of American bully puppies.
- Support strong teeth and bones.
- It is also helpful in the removal of tartar in teeth.
Cons :
- Some puppies may experience frequent and watery bowel movements.
4) ACANA Heritage Puppy & Junior formula
ACANA Heritage Puppy and Junior formula is a dry food which contains 70% meat and 30% fruits and vegetables, ensuring the well-being of the puppies. Its protein sources are free-run poultry, wild-caught fish and nest-laid eggs. The meal is free from all preservatives.
Pros :
- Meet the nutritional requirements of American bully puppies.
- Grain free and easy to digest.
- Promote their metabolism rate.
Cons :
- can cause indigestion in some puppies.
5) Purina Beneful Healthy Puppy Dog Food
Purina Beneful healthy puppy food contains plenty of calcium, protein, DHA, vitamins and minerals. Ingredients like real farm raised chicken, carrots and peas support its rapid growth. Being small, these kibbles are easy for puppies to consume.
Pros :
- Helps in maintaining the strong muscles of American bully puppies.
- Supports healthy vision and brain development.
- Supports healthy vision and brain development.
6) Rachael Ray Nutrish Bright Puppy Dog Food
Rachael Ray Nutrish Bright puppy food is also kibble shaped dry food which carries chicken as a main ingredient, which is a great source of protein. It is made up of fiber filled brown rice and peas. This puppy food is also rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which play a crucial role in stimulating the growth of young ones.
Pros :
- Maintains the heavy build and energy level of dogs.
- Promote the development of the brain and eyes.
- Promote the development of the brain and eyes.
Cons :
- Have an unpleasant smell.
Amount of water should an American bully puppy drink?
An American bully puppy generally requires ½ to 2 ounces of water per pound of its body weight. Water also helps in regulating its body temperature. Hence, ensure that plenty of fresh water is available for it all the time.
Several factors which may influence the amount of water consumption by American bully offspring include :
- Dehydration
- Medication
- Dry diet
- Weather conditions
- Activity levels
So, you should be well aware of the amount of water consumption by your puppy in normal conditions. If you find any change in their water intake, you should consult your vet immediately.
What should not be fed to your American bully
There are some foods which are to stay away from your American bully puppies in order to avoid health problems. For instance, raw meat. Provide it to your pet after cooking it properly to minimize the risk of bacterial infection and food poisoning.
Another significant subject is to ensure that no single piece of small bone should be left for them, otherwise it may choke or may cause serious damage to their throat, mouth or intestines.
Here is a list of some foods which should not be fed to your American bully puppy :
- Chocolate
- Raw meat
- Onions
- Grapes
- Raisins
- Grapes
- Garlic
- Avocados
- Caffeine products
- Artificial sweetener
- Cooked bones
Some other foods may also be unsafe for your puppy, so consult the vet about what should be fed or not be fed to your pet.
Kibble vs wet food for American bully puppies
A few benefits of including kibble in their diet are :
Prevent dental problems :
Dry foods also known as kibble are considered better than wet foods as they encourage them to chew their meal properly. Therefore, it helps in preventing different dental issues like tartar build-up and periodontal disease.
Prevent wastage of food :
It is safe to store dry foods or kibble for longer durations. In case your pet leaves the food, it doesn’t get spoiled and can be consumed later by them.
On the other hand, if we talk about wet food, then it holds aromas and flavors which attracts even the puppy with a lost appetite. It is easier to chew for them. Moreover, it can be a good choice for puppies who don’t like to drink a lot of water.
Switching from puppy food to adult food
Whenever you think of switching from wet to dry food for your American bully puppy, then don’t do it suddenly at once. Begin with a bowl of puppy food and adult food in the proportion of 3:1. Then, you should slowly keep on increasing the quantity of adult food.
In case you observe any negative signs or ill effects of their meal, then give them some more time to switch to adult food.
How to feed your puppy?
As important as it is to know what should be fed to your American bully puppy, it is equally crucial to be aware of how these puppies should be fed.
The following things should be considered while feeding your furry pet :
- Wet puppy food should be served at room temperature as its smell attracts them more towards it and can be easily digested.
- Remember to remove the food from the refrigerator one hour before serving. It’s good if you warm the food in a microwave for a few minutes.
- Feed your puppy 2–3 times a day from the age of 12 weeks to 6 months. After that, reduce the number of servings to two.
- Ensure your puppy consumes the vet’s food before it gets spoiled.
- Consider the calorie intake of your puppy while feeding it, as excess calorie consumption may result in weight gain.
Final ending
Though your puppy is small now, it has to grow a lot within a shorter span of time. Hence, they require a well nutritional diet for their proper growth and development. Along with their rapid physical development, mental progress also takes place at a quicker pace, which also demands premium quality feeding of American bully puppies.
Feeding your puppy with an appropriate number of calories is a crucial part of taking care of its health and happiness. Eventually, a well-fed puppy come up as a full-fledged adult American bully dog.
Hope this article will help you with designing a perfect routine for your puppy! Do you have any puppies? Do they have a proper routine for food & exercise? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.
FAQ’s
Q1.How much dog food should I feed my American Bully puppy?
Age | Servings per day |
2-3 months | 3-4 meals |
3-6 months | 2-3 meals |
6-12 months | 2 meals |
Q2.Can Bully puppies drink milk?
Ans yes, American bully puppies can drink a few sips of milk but taking milk in large quantities can result in some negative effects.
Q3.What food is best for American Bully puppies?
Ans. Some best food for american bully puppies are:
1) ORIJEN Puppy Grain-Free Dry Food.
2) Taste of the wild pacific stream grain free food.
3) Blue Buffalo life protection food.
4) ACANA Heritage Puppy & Junior formula.
5) Purina Beneful Healthy Puppy Dog Food.
Q4.Do American Bullies eat a lot?
Ans. Chicken is the common ingredient contained in most commercial dog foods. So, it’s safe to provide them a proper cooked chicken.
Hey there! I am Raj Saraf, a 23-year-old guy from India behind this awesome blog. Currently, I am pursuing my Master’s degree in English literature. Being a great admirer of this fascinating American bully dog breed, I did extensive and comprehensive research to my optimal level. During this, I got to know about some new and interesting facts about them, which encouraged me to go ahead. Moreover, I am fond of sharing my experiences and knowledge with you all! I hope you enjoy reading my blogs, and feel free to share any experiences or opinions about this amazing breed in the comments section below.