Is My Pit Bull Overweight Or Obese?

We all love our Pit Bulls and want to give them the best lives possible. However, sometimes the way we express our love can have negative side effects. For example, too many treats and too much snuggling on the couch can create an overweight Pittie with health problems. Pitties can get fat pretty easily, so it’s important to watch your dog’s weight. The following are 3 signs your Pittie is overweight. If you notice any of these, you should talk to your  vet to rule out any medical causes and then get them on a diet and exercise program.

How Much Should Pit Bull Weigh?

55 to 60 Lbs

A photo posted by @sullysunshine on Jan 14, 2016 at 5:36pm PST

#1 – Can’t Feel Ribs

You should be able to feel your Pittie’s ribs easily when you run your hand over their middle. Some super sporty Pit Bulls have ribs that are slightly visible, but there should be some meat on those bones. The main thing is balance – not too skinny, but not too thick. If you are unsure, ask your vet.

#2 – No Definition

Pit Bulls come in a variety of body shapes – some are taller with longer legs, others are more square with deeper chests. However, regardless of body type, your Pittie should have definition. This means that they have a bigger rib cage that tapers off to a defined waist. If your Pit Bull is one smooth line from chest to tail, she is packing extra pounds. Dr. Sophia Yin’s website has a great, easy to follow guide for checking your Pit’s body definition.

#3 – Panting

Unless your Pit Bull is stressed or too warm, panting is another sign he is overweight. If your Pittie starts to pant after only walking a block or so, he may be out of shape and overweight. Definitely time to start an exercise regimen to slowly build back his stamina and lose some pounds.

Frequently Ask Questions:

If you own a Pitbull, there may come a time when you start to wonder if your dog is too fat. A Pitbull might get fat because he is not fed right, does not get enough exercise, or has a disease. You might be able to get the Pitbull back to a healthy weight by changing what he eats, giving him more exercise, and taking care of any diseases that might be causing weight issues. First, learn what constitutes a healthy weight and then learn how to combat obesity. 

What Should I Feed My Overweight Pitbull?

First, feed your pit bull the correct food for their species and ensure they exercise enough. Consider a high-quality commercial brand if you cannot cook for your dog. Too many carbohydrates and insufficient nutrients in cheap kibble cause dogs to lose weight. Free feeding your dog can quickly lead to obesity. If you feed your dog a lot as a training reward, you may need to reduce its mealtime portions.

How Much Should I Feed My 50 Lb Pitbull?

A fifty-pound pit bull should only get about 2 2/3 cups of food daily. Split this amount up between two or three meals, including treats. A more active pitbull can eat up to three cups of food per day. 

How Much Should I Feed My 70-Pound Pitbull?

If your dog weighs seventy pounds, feed them between 2 2/3 to 3 1/3 food daily. Remember, this is the amount, including treats and table scraps. Sedentary dogs should eat on the lower end, while active dogs on the higher end. Make sure your dog gets plenty of water too. 

How Do I Keep My Pitbull Lean?

The first thing you need to do to help your dog build muscle is to make sure it gets enough food. Whether your Pitbull looks too skinny or too fat, you should feed them food that helps them build muscle. After all, what you eat is a very important part of building muscle. 

If you want your dog to be leaner or have more muscle, you should feed it foods that help build muscle. At least 40% of your dog’s food should be protein. This compound does more than just build muscle; it also makes the immune system stronger. Every meal should have boiled chicken, pork, beef, or fish, which are all high in protein. 

Next, your dog should get about forty percent of daily food should come from carbs, which help brain and body cells grow. Carbohydrate-rich foods include brown rice, whole wheat, corn, and potatoes. Also, twenty percent of your dog’s meal plan should be fat. This is needed to give the muscles the fuel they need to work. 

Exercise is also a very important part of building muscle. Start with easy exercises like walking and running. After you get used to this routine, you can try other things like pulling weights, pulling spring poles, or even running uphill. It’s important not to push your dog too far, or you might do more harm than good.

How Much Should I Feed My 60 Lb Pitbull?

Feed your dog a mix of wet food and kibble for optimum health. A sixty-pound dog needs about 2-2/3 to 3-1/3 cups of food per day. More active dogs may need more, especially if they are working on high-intensity exercise or weight training. 

What Meat Is Best For Pitbulls?

Meat equals protein and amino acids that dogs need to thrive. Beef offers the most affordable option and offers protein, iron, selenium, zinc, and the B vitamins B3, B6, and B12. Beef’s only drawback is that it can be very fatty. However, dogs can also benefit from the omega-fatty acids in fish. 

Chicken provides excellent lean nutrition, as does lamb and pork. However, do not overlook organ meat, either. Organ meat contains natural nutrients that can help you gain a healthy weight and build muscle. Also, buy organ meat from animals like beef or lamb that your dog loves to eat. This keeps your pet from getting stomach problems or diarrhea.

How Much Should I Feed My Dog To Lose Weight?

The amount of food to feed your pitbull depends on their age, weight if they need to lose weight, health, conditions, and gender. On average, Pitbulls will need 2-2/3 to 4-1/4 cups daily. Start by reducing their diet by one-third cup and increasing exercise. Before restricting calories more, talk to your pet’s veterinarian. 

Is High Protein Dog Food Good For Pitbulls?

During growth, Pitbulls need at least 22% protein in their food, while adult dogs only need 18% protein. When thinking about the best diet for a pitbull, choose foods with high-quality animal-based protein sources like beef, chicken, lamb, pork, eggs, and fish, as well as plant-based protein sources like grains, legumes, and vegetables.

Can I Feed My Pit Bull 3 Times A Day?

Most experts say you should feed your dog twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. However, puppies under five months old should be fed three to four times a day or as your vet recommends.

Do Pitbulls Need More Food?

Do not give your pit bull more food because they worked out more one day. A healthy and happy pitbull needs to eat a balanced diet that does not change depending on how much it works out. Your vet can tell you how much food your dog should eat, so take that amount and give it to your dog in two or three meals throughout the day. 

Can Pitbulls Be Overweight?

It’s important to keep an eye on your pitbull’s weight to ensure she stays healthy. A lot of bad things can happen because of being overweight. Also, keep in mind that Pitbulls vary more than most other dog breeds when it comes to their ideal height and weight. Some Pitbulls might weigh 80 or 90 pounds. Some may only get to a healthy adult weight of about 45 pounds which is normal for them. 

At two months, your pit bull should weigh between 15 and 20 pounds to be healthy. The average weight for a 4-month-old is between 35 and 40 pounds. A pit bull usually weighs between 40 and 60 pounds at six months old. At one year old, that weight goes up to 50 and 75 pounds.

What Is Obese For A Pitbull?

Yes, Pitbulls can get overweight, just like all other animals. A male Pitbull should weigh between 35 and 60 pounds. Also, a female Pitbull should weigh between 35 and 50 pounds, according to them. It may be normal for a dog to go a little bit over the healthy range, but if a dog’s weight is much higher than what is healthy, you know you have an overweight pit bull.

Can Pitbulls Be Over 100 Pounds?

There are numerous different varieties of pit bulls. A pitbull does not refer to a specific breed of dog but rather to a group that includes many different canine ancestries. That indicates there is a range of sizes for pit bulls. The American Staffordshire Terrier, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and the Cane Corso mixes are examples of breeds that weigh between 30 and 40 pounds range, whereas mixtures of mastiffs can easily tip the scales at well over 100 pounds. Although, for the most part, the typical pitbull weighs somewhere between 55 and 60 pounds.

Is 80 Pounds Overweight For A Pitbull?

Depending on the breed of pitbull, eighty pounds could be just right or sorely overweight. Most Pitbulls are between 55 and 60 pounds, but up to a hundred pounds can be normal for other breeds. Check with your vet to see if your dog is the right weight for their specific factors.