Top American Staffordshire Terrier Food Options

Providing your dog with the proper nutrition is critical for them to live a long, healthy, and happy life, and in order to do so, you’ll need to understand what constitutes a great canine diet. There are basic nutritional requirements that all dogs must meet, whether they are a pit bull terrier, a chihuahua, or a St. Bernard, but there are some adjustments you should make based on the breed, age of the dog, level of activity, and other factors.
Puppies of American Staffordshire terriers, also known as Amstaffs or Staffies, have similar dietary needs to other puppies. Still, there are a few things to know about this breed of dog in terms of nutrition. If you want to bring this beautiful cross between the bulldog and terrier breeds into your home, make sure to first read this guide to proper Amstaff nutrition.

What Is the Definition of an American Staffordshire Terrier?

The American Staffordshire terrier is a medium-sized but muscular dog breed descended from the bull and terrier, a type of dog bred for dogfighting, baiting, and hunting in 19th century England. Although their genetic history has earned them a reputation for being violent and dangerous, a well-trained Amstaff is a cheerful, loyal, and affectionate family companion.

Staffies are “highly trainable, as their many forays into showbiz suggest,” according to the AKC, which is good because they require training. Because these dogs have higher-than-average activity levels, they can become destructive if you don’t teach them how to channel their energy constructively. They, like most dog breeds, can become aggressive if not socialized from a young age.
With an average lifespan of 12-16 years, the Amstaff is not known to have many severe health problems at a higher rate than other breeds. Skin allergies are common in these dogs, and they can also develop cerebellar ataxia and heart disease. Regular vet visits can help detect these issues early on.

Ideal American Staffordshire Terrier Size and Weight

Knowing the breed’s ideal size and weight is an important part of providing proper nutrition for your Staffy. You can expect your male puppy to grow to be 18-19 inches tall and weigh 55-70 pounds. Females should be 17-18 inches tall, and a healthy weight should be between 40 and 55 pounds.
Staffies, like their bulldog and pit bull terrier cousins, are not large dogs, but they are muscular and thus denser and heavier than other dogs their size. This, combined with their above-average energy levels, has a significant impact on what constitutes an excellent diet for this short-haired terrier breed.

Amstaff’s Favorite Food Brands

When looking for the best dog food for your Amstaff, look for foods high in protein (preferably from meat) as well as fruits and vegetables. That is the standard healthy dog diet, but because of their breed’s significant muscle mass, Staffy owners should emphasize protein.
Fortunately, there are many protein-rich dog foods available on the market. Aim for at least 22% protein and 8% fat in puppy food, and 18% protein and 5% fat in adult food. This will assist your Amstaff in developing that beautiful lean muscle mass while avoiding the risk of obesity and all of its associated health problems. Remember that these are minimums, so don’t be alarmed if you see products on this list that far exceed those figures.

When deciding between dry and wet dog food, the most important factor is that it is of high quality. Kibble is higher in carbs, and wet food is more nutritious, but if you choose a great brand with a quality blend of vitamins, minerals, fat, proteins, and other nutrients, your pup should be in good shape in terms of diet. That is, assuming you don’t over or underfeed them.

Grain-Free PURE CANIDAE Dry Dog Food with Salmon and Sweet Potato Recipe

As previously stated, the American Staffordshire terrier is one of the dog breeds prone to skin allergies, which may or may not be fatal. They can, however, cause significant discomfort to your dog. Fortunately, this grain-free kibble was designed specifically for these sensitive-skinned breeds. Its main ingredient is salmon, which is high in protein and high in omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, both of which promote skin health. Remember that this is adult food, not puppy food, and you should not feed it to any dog younger than 12 months old, even if you reduce the amount of food you give them.

Recipe for Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Dry Dog Food Without Grain

This grain-free kibble is designed for high-energy breeds and is high in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which promote skin health. It’s also one of the most affordable high-quality dry dog foods. Blue Buffalo is an excellent choice for conscientious dog owners on a budget due to its low cost for the amount of food you get, as well as its outstanding quality and nutritional value. They also sell puppy food that is ideal for Staffies, so be sure to look into that as well.

Grain-Free Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet Adult Large Breed Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe Food for Dry Dogs

Because sweet potato is a superfood, why not include it in your dog’s diet? They are listed as one of the top ingredients in Nutro’s limited ingredient dry dog food, so you know this grain-free kibble is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. It’s also an excellent choice for dog breeds prone to skin allergies, such as the Amstaff. That is adult dog food, but Nutro also has excellent puppy food. If your dog is under the age of 12 months, look for those products rather than reducing the amount of food you give them.

Sierra Mountain Grain-Free Dry Food Taste of the Wild

Taste of the Wild is one of the most well-known dry dog foods on the market. This grain-free kibble is known for its high-quality ingredients, including protein-rich salmon, which allows your pup to get their fill and nutrients while eating only a small amount of food. Salmon’s omega 3s and 6s make this food ideal for Staffies with skin conditions. That is adult dog food, but the puppy recipe from Taste of the Wild is also excellent.

Health Problems Caused by Poor Nutrition

It is critical that your Staffy consumes a consistent diet of high-quality dog food, or they may develop a variety of nutrition-related health issues. Heart disease and obesity are two of the more obvious consequences of poor nutrition, but there are some others you may not be aware of. A poor diet can weaken the immune system, exacerbating symptoms of hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and other joint problems. In the end, poor nutrition in dogs can shorten their lives.
Staffies have been known to have food sensitivities to wheat, soy, and chicken, as well as fillers and additives. If that is the case with your dog, there are a few different dog foods on this list that would be ideal. Just make sure to always read the ingredients before feeding anything to your food-sensitive dog.

Portioning is an important aspect of dog nutrition that is often overlooked. The amount of food you give your dog is extremely important because your dog will most likely eat indefinitely if there is food in front of them. The appropriate amount will be determined by the dog’s age, size, weight, and level of activity. As a general rule, 20-30 calories per pound per day should suffice for your Staffy.

Healthy Eating Suggestions

You know what to do when mealtime arrives, but kibble isn’t the only aspect of Amstaff nutrition to consider. Aside from adult dog food, you’ll want to make sure your pup is well-hydrated, and you’ll want to be mindful of the dog treats you give them. Your dog will enjoy chewy snacks of all kinds, but it’s important to avoid high-fat treats in favor of holistic treats that contain vitamins, minerals, and fish oil for their skin and coat.
A healthy diet, as well as adequate socialization and exercise, are essential for developing your American Staffordshire terrier into an excellent family companion. It’s also the key to keeping your family companion for as long as possible.

Consider this:

So there you have it. Everything you need to know about your American Staffordshire terrier’s dietary requirements. Remember that providing your dog with the ideal diet necessitates paying close attention to their specific requirements. It is up to you and possibly your veterinarian to determine which dog food is best for your specific pup. Best wishes!

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