Feed an adult American Staffordshire Terrier a high-quality, protein-rich dog food twice a day, which for an average 50-60 lb AmStaff works out to roughly 1,300-1,500 calories daily depending on activity level. Puppies need three to four smaller meals a day, and treats should stay under 10% of daily calories because the breed gains weight easily.
We’ll cover everything from what to feed your dog to how much to give them, and we’ll even provide some helpful tips on keeping their diet healthy and balanced. So whether you’re trying to figure out how to switch to raw feeding or want to know more about the best kibble brands, read on for all the information you need!
Introduction – American Staffordshire Terrier Feeding Guide
When it comes to feeding your American Staffordshire Terrier, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
First of all, this breed is known for being prone to obesity, so it’s important to make sure they’re getting enough exercise and not overfeeding them.
It’s also important to choose a high-quality food that’s appropriate for their age, weight, and activity level.
And finally, keep in mind that this breed is prone to allergies, so you may need to avoid certain ingredients or foods altogether.
How often should an American Staffordshire Terrier eat?
The general rule of thumb is to feed your dog twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. Puppies need more frequent meals: we recommend four meals a day up to about 3 months of age, three meals a day from 3 to 6 months, and then moving to two meals a day.
Throughout the day you can give treats but make sure that you are not overfeeding your dog. No more than 10% of their daily caloric intake should come from treats. For example, if your AmStaff’s diet contains 1000 calories, treats should add up to no more than 100 calories. Our list of low-calorie dog treats can help you stay within that budget.
How much should an American Staffordshire Terrier eat?
An average Amstaff that weighs around 50-60lbs should eat around 1300-1500 calories. However, as many factors affect how much an Amstaff should eat we recommend using a calorie calculator based on your dog’s needs.
When you know how many calories your Amstaff needs, you can take a look at your chosen food’s packaging. It will usually give you an estimate of how many cups or grams to feed your dog based on their weight. Once you know the daily amount, our dog food bag calculator shows how long a bag will last and what it costs per day.
Source: animalmedicalcenterofchicago.com
What should my American Staffordshire Terrier eat?
The best food for an American Staffordshire Terrier is a high-quality, age-appropriate diet that’s rich in protein and moderate in fat.
Puppies and young dogs will need a diet that’s higher in calories and nutrients to support their rapid growth, while adult dogs and seniors will need a slightly different formula to maintain their weight and energy levels. If you've ended up with the wrong formula, here's what to do if you accidentally bought puppy food.
Can I feed my American Staffordshire Terrier raw food?
Yes, you can feed your American Staffordshire Terrier a raw diet if you choose to do so. This type of diet is often seen as the most natural option, and it can be very beneficial for your dog’s health.
However, it’s important to do your research before making the switch, as there are some risks associated with raw feeding. Make sure you talk to your vet first, and then find a reputable source for your dog’s food. Our raw dog food guide for beginners walks through the basics.
What are some other foods that American Staffordshire Terriers can eat?
In addition to dry kibble and wet food, American Staffordshire Terriers can also enjoy a variety of different foods as part of their diet. Here are some ideas:
- Cooked lean meats like chicken, turkey, fish, and lamb
- Cooked vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, green beans, and peas
- Canned pumpkin
- Plain, unsweetened yogurt
- Oatmeal
- Rice
- Cottage cheese
Keep these extras plain and unseasoned, and count them toward your dog’s daily calories. Avoid feeding your American Staffordshire Terrier foods that are high in fat or sugar as these can cause weight gain and health problems. Also, avoid giving them table scraps as this can lead to unhealthy eating habits.
Some human foods are toxic to dogs and should never be fed, including grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, chocolate, macadamia nuts, and anything containing the sweetener xylitol. Cooked bones are also dangerous because they can splinter. If your AmStaff eats any of these, call your vet or a pet poison hotline right away.
Now that you know a little bit more about what to keep in mind when feeding your American Staffordshire Terrier, let’s take a look at some of the best food options for this breed.
Best Dog Food Brands for American Staffordshire Terriers
There are a lot of great dog food brands out there, but not all of them are created equal. When it comes to choosing the best food for your American Staffordshire Terrier, you’ll want to look for a brand that offers high-quality ingredients, a variety of formulas, and affordable prices.
Here are some of our top picks for the best dog food brands for American Staffordshire:
At a glance
3 picks, each best at something different
1Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach
The American Staffordshire Terrier is known as a strong and sturdy breed. They are also known to have sensitive skin and stomachs, which can make finding the right food for them a challenge.
Luckily, there is the Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach dry formula, which is specifically tailored to meet the needs of dogs with sensitive skin and stomachs. The formula is made with real ingredients, plus omega-6 fatty acids to help support healthy skin and coat.
It’s great-tasting, high-quality food that will help your American Staffordshire Terrier stay healthy and happy.
Pros
- Salmon is the first ingredient
- Glucosamine and EPA
- Oatmeal is easily digestible
- Sunflower oil helps promote healthy skin
- Natural prebiotic fiber
Cons
- Some dogs may not be fond of the taste
- May be more expensive than other brands
2Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural
The Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula is a great food for adult dogs. It is full of healthy ingredients like real meat, wholesome grains, and garden veggies. The LifeSource Bits are a great addition, providing a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. This food is also free of chicken by-product and is a great choice for a natural dog food.
Pros
- Real meat is the first ingredient
- Features omega fatty acids to promote a healthy coat and skin
- Includes LifeSource Bits with added antioxidants, vitamins and minerals
Cons
- A bit more expensive than other dog food
3Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food For Puppies
If you’re looking for American Staffordshire Terrier puppy food that will help with bone growth and development, Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food is a great option.
This formula has the perfect quantity of calcium for healthy bone growth, utilizes a well-rounded combination of minerals to encourage strong bones and teeth, and has DHA from fish oil to aid in proper brain and eye development.
The high-quality protein aids in the growth and maintenance of lean muscle in puppies.
Pros
- Perfect amount of calcium
- Uses a variety of minerals
- DHA from fish oil
- High-quality protein
Cons
- May be too rich for some puppies
- Not recommended for adult or mature dogs
FAQ
1I'm feeding my Amstaff raw chicken, is this okay?
While there is some debate on whether or not raw chicken is safe for dogs to eat, cooked chicken is generally considered the safer option. Raw chicken can carry bacteria like Salmonella and Campylobacter that can make your dog (and your family) sick. If you do feed raw, use a complete and balanced raw diet planned with your vet and follow strict kitchen hygiene. When you cook chicken for your dog, always remove the bones, as cooked bones can splinter and cause serious health problems.
2Does my Amstaff need any additional supplements?
If you are feeding your Amstaff a well-rounded, balanced diet, there is no need for additional supplements. However, if your dog has any specific health concerns, you may want to speak with your veterinarian about the best course of action. For example, if your dog is having joint problems, your vet may recommend a supplement that contains glucosamine.
3My Amstaff is always scratching, could this be due to his food?
If your dog is constantly scratching, it could be due to allergies or sensitivities. Many commercial dog foods contain ingredients that can cause allergies in some dogs. In dogs, food allergies are most often caused by proteins such as beef, chicken or dairy rather than grains. If you think your Amstaff’s scratching is due to his food, speak with your veterinarian about an elimination diet trial, usually with a hydrolyzed or novel-protein diet fed for several weeks. Keep in mind that AmStaffs are also prone to environmental allergies and that fleas or skin infections can cause itching too, so a vet check is the best first step.
Final thoughts – American Staffordshire Terrier Feeding Guide
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a strong and muscular breed that requires a nutritious diet to maintain their health. There are a variety of dog food brands and formulas available on the market, so it is important to do your research to find the best food for your American Staffordshire Terrier.
This American Staffordshire Terrier Feeding Guide provides information on what to look for in a dog food, as well as some of our top picks for the best food for American Staffordshire Terriers. We hope that this guide will help you make an informed decision about what to feed your American Staffordshire Terrier.
