Comparing the Best Raw Dog Foods for American Bullies
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The American Bully is the newest Pitbull-type dog breed to join the umbrella of misunderstood but still fanatically adored category of breeds. Lower-energy than its American Pitbull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier cousins but equally goofy and social, the American Bully makes a fantastic family dog or extra couch potato!
Of course, even couch potato dogs need high-quality food and nutrition, and one of the best options for the American Bully is a raw diet. Made from raw meat, organs, bones, and added nutrient blends, raw diets are evolutionarily and biologically appropriate for all dogs, and can be especially beneficial for breeds like the American Bully.
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re already on the raw dog food train and just want some answers on the best raw dog food for American Bullies. Don’t worry, we won’t make you wait much longer, but if you are interested in the benefits of raw feeding for American Bullies, be sure to read this article to the end!
Which Raw Food for American Bullies is Best?
There are virtually endless dog food companies vying for your attention, and it can be a little tricky to parse out which ones are offering a high-quality product and which are simply dazzling with flashy marketing. We’ve selected two premium raw dog food brands plus one alternative if you’re still not totally sure about feeding raw, or aren’t able to handle raw dog food. Tried and true, these brands have devoted followings of happy dog owners whose dogs love their products, and feel healthier than ever before!
In a rush to find the best raw dog food for your American Bully? Take a look at our comparison chart to see what each of our three options do best.
We Feed Raw | Raw Wild | The Farmer’s Dog | |
Best For | Overall Top Pick | Dogs with Allergies | Raw Alternative |
Raw? | Yes | Yes | No; fresh-frozen |
Flavor Options | 6 formulas—Beef, Chicken, Duck, Lamb, Turkey, and Venison | 1 formula—Elk and Venison | 4 formulas—Beef, Chicken, Pork, and Turkey |
Pricing | $$ $7.37–$9.99 per pound | $$$ $11.62–$14.03 per pound | $ ~$5.70–$7.22 per pound |
Custom Plans? | No | No | Yes |
Ingredients | 6 ingredients per formula—first three include raw meat, raw organs, and bone | 4 ingredients per formula—meat and ground bone only, no organ meat | 8–10 ingredients per formula—includes cooked meat, grain, vegetables, etc., no bone |
Where To Buy | wefeedraw.com | rawwild.com | thefarmersdog.com |
1. Best Overall: We Feed Raw
We Feed Raw’s line of raw dog food formulas wins our #1 pick for Best Overall thanks to its fantastic formula, reasonable price point, and range of standard and novel proteins. For Bully owners, finding the right dog food can take some trial and error, since this breed is prone to food (and environmental) allergies. We Feed Raw offers 5-pound-bags of all formulas in addition to bulk buying options, which makes it really easy to test out a protein option before making a big commitment.
First 5 Ingredients | Venison, Beef Heart, Beef Liver, Beef Kidney, Beef Neck with Bones |
Guaranteed Analysis (crude) | 13% Protein — 10.7% Fat — 1% Fiber — 69.4% Moisture |
Cost Per Pound | $7.37–$9.99 (may vary depending on formula) |
Pros: | Cons: |
Lots of protein options including novel proteins | Some novel-protein formulas include standard protein ingredients |
Relatively affordable compared to other raw dog foods | |
USDA and human-grade ingredients | |
Blend of meat, organs, and bone for a balanced nutrient profile | |
Large variety of size options |
2. Best for Bullies with Allergies: Raw Wild
If your American Bully is allergic to basically all standard proteins or foods you try to give them, Raw Wild raw dog food might work for you! With just one proprietary formula, Raw Wild’s 100% wild-sourced elk and venison recipe is more than 99% meat, and contains absolutely zero filler. A little more expensive than other raw dog food options, we think Raw Wild is worth it for the superior and sustainably-sourced ingredients.
Organ meats are often considered a key element of a raw diet for dogs, but Raw Wild’s formula doesn’t include organs. This can be beneficial for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs, but can be a con for people specifically looking for a meat and organ blend raw dog food.
Ingredients | Elk, Venison, Bone Meal, Vitamin Mix |
Guaranteed Analysis (crude) | 18% Protein — 10% Fat — 0.45% Fiber — 70% Moisture |
Cost Per Pound | $11.62–$14.03 |
Pros | Cons |
Excellent for dogs with allergies—made entirely with novel, wild proteins | Expensive |
Simple ingredient list | Only one formula option |
Sustainably sourced ingredients | Does not include organ meat |
3. Best Raw Alternative: The Farmer’s Dog
The Farmer’s Dog does not make raw dog food, but they do make a good alternative if you’re still on the fence about feeding your American Bully raw food. Fresh-frozen food is fully cooked, but made with more limited ingredients than most commercial dog foods. The biggest downside of fresh-frozen food in comparison to raw dog food is that there is some nutrient loss when meat is cooked, but the loss is fairly negligible.
First 5 Ingredients | Beef, Sweet Potato, Lentils, Carrot, Beef Liver |
Guaranteed Analysis (crude) | 11% Protein — 8% Fat — 1.5% Fiber — 72% Moisture |
Cost Per Pound | ~$5.70–$7.22 |
Pros | Cons |
Lower cost than truly raw options | Not raw |
Good stepping stone if you’re unsure about fresh and/or raw dog food | Novel proteins not offered |
Easier handling than raw dog food | Not good for American Bullies with allergies |
Safe for immunocompromised individuals to handle |
Benefits of a Raw Diet for Bullies
All dogs have the same basic nutritional needs: a high-protein diet with a health ratio of fat and carbohydrates. For American Bullies—muscular but not particularly active or athletic dogs—finding the right dog food can be a bit of a process. You may need to experiment with different proteins, brands, and formulas before you find the one.
Rule of paw: simpler is always better with American Bullies, and raw foods formulas are usually made with minimal ingredients.
Two key health and nutritional needs to consider when choosing the best dog food for Bullies includes allergies and hip, joint, and inflammation management.
- Allergies—Food allergies are very common in American Bullies, and may present as gastrointestinal upset, skin irritation, chronic ear infections, excessive licking or self-grooming, and other similar symptoms. Chicken, beef, fish, wheat, soy, corn, dairy and eggs are some of the most common foods American Bullies are allergic to, and unfortunately, key ingredients in many popular dog foods.
- Raw dog food—often composed purely of animal protein, organs, and bone—can be beneficial for dogs with food allergies, and are frequently made with novel proteins that are appropriate substitutes for standard proteins like beef and chicken.
- Pain & Inflammation—American Bullies are prone to developing joint, back, and inflammatory issues as they age, particularly in the hips and elbows. Feeding your Bully raw food is one way you can help to nourish their bodies and protect them as they age. Of course, diet alone cannot cure, prevent, or reverse health issues like hip or elbow dysplasia, it is a key element in a balanced healthy lifestyle for your pooch.
Raw and whole food diets have been shown to promote anti-inflammatory markers in dogs, and contain key nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), chondroitin, etc., to support healthy joint function for life.
Pro Tip: No matter what kind of food you feed your American Bully raw diet, kibble, canned, or anything else, adding a joint supplement for dogs can help keep them feeling spry well into their golden years.
Best Raw Food for American Bully FAQ
Have more questions about raw feeding your American Bully? We’re answering common questions from dog owners just like you.
Can I feed my American Bully raw eggs?
Yes, but only if your American Bully is able to eat cooked eggs and has no known egg allergy. Raw eggs are an excellent addition to raw and cooked dog foods, and have multiple well documented health benefits.
What foods are American Bullies commonly allergic to?
The most common foods American Bullies develop allergies to include chicken, beef, eggs, dairy, wheat, and soy. Many American Bullies also have environmental allergies to grass, mold, pollen, and more.
How many times a day should an American Bully eat?
2 times a day is the standard recommended feeding schedule for most dog breeds, including the American Bully.
What is the best dog food for American Bully puppies?
American Bully puppies can be fed a raw diet once old enough, but The Farmer’s Dog is also a fantastic fresh-frozen option that is appropriate for puppies. You can also try making puppy food at home by following simple vet-approved recipes!
What is the best raw dog food for an American Bully puppy?
The best raw dog food for an American Bully puppy should consist of real meat, with real chicken as the first ingredient, to provide essential nutrients for their growing bodies. Look for performance super premium dog food that supports healthy development and contains fruits and vegetables for added vitamins and minerals.
Is raw dog food better than dry dog food for my American Bully?
Absolutely. Raw dog food can be a great choice for American Bullies due to its higher nutritional value, including essential fatty acids like omega fatty acids. However, if you prefer dry dog food, opt for high-quality options that still contain real meat as the primary ingredient and avoid those with artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Look for dry food OTHER than kibble such as Air Dried Food.
How much protein and fat should be in the raw dog food for my American Bully?
Aim for a raw dog food that contains at least 30% protein and 20% fat. These proportions will support the high energy levels and muscle maintenance of American Bullies, especially for those with an active lifestyle.
Can I feed my senior American Bully raw dog food?
Yes, raw dog food can be suitable for senior dogs as well. In fact, it can be beneficial for their joint health and overall well-being due to the presence of essential nutrients and healthy fats that help with nutrient absorption.
What benefits do omega fatty acids provide in raw dog food for American Bullies?
Omega fatty acids, commonly found in high-quality raw dog food, can help your American Bully absorb essential nutrients better. Additionally, they promote a healthy coat, skin, and joint function, which are essential for the well-being of your pet.
Is “Taste of the Wild” a recommended raw dog food brand for American Bullies?
“Taste of the Wild” is a not raw food. It’s kibble.
Should I include brown rice in my American Bully’s raw dog food diet?
You do not need to include rice in your dog’s raw food diet. If you think you need a starch, try quinoa instead. However, ensure that the majority of the diet consists of real meat to meet their high protein requirements.
How can a raw dog food diet support the joint health of my American Bully?
A raw dog food diet rich in real meat and omega fatty acids can help maintain healthy joints in your American Bully. These nutrients support the overall joint structure, reducing the risk of joint-related issues as they age.
Are there any specific vitamins and minerals I should add to my dog’s raw food diet?
I highly recommend using a supplement on your dog’s food, no matter what you feed them, to ensure the meal is balanced and they are getting all the right supplements to help them stay healthy.
The supplement I use is called The One from Front of the Pack. It has 12 ingredients that have been clinically-proven to keep your dog’s joints, skin, heart, digestion, and even their breath in tip-top shape. It’s also a powder, so it’s easy to sprinkle on your dog’s food. For a limited time, when you buy one month you get a second month free.
How can fats help my American Bully’s nutrient absorption?
Fats play a vital role in nutrient absorption in dogs. Including healthy fats in your American Bully’s raw dog food diet can enhance their ability to absorb and utilize essential nutrients from the food they consume, ensuring they get the most out of their meals.
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