What Should I Feed My American Bully Puppy?
American Bully puppies grow fast and build a lot of muscle in their first year. What you feed them during that time has a big effect on their health, their joints and how they look as adults. This guide covers what to feed an American Bully puppy, how much and how often, and the mistakes to avoid.
Always check with your vet for advice about your own puppy. Every dog is a little different.
Start with what the breeder fed
The first rule is simple: do not change food on day one. Moving to a new home is stressful, and a sudden food change can upset your puppy's stomach. Ask your breeder what the puppy has been eating and keep feeding that for the first week or two.
At NMG Bullies we go over feeding with every buyer at pickup, so you will know exactly what your puppy is used to.
Choosing a puppy food
Look for a complete puppy food, not an adult food. Puppy foods have the right balance of protein, fat, calcium and phosphorus for growing bones.
Good signs on a label:
- A named meat, like chicken, beef or lamb, as the first ingredient
- A statement that the food is complete and balanced for growth, or for all life stages including growth
- For bigger bullies (standard, XL), a formula made for large-breed puppies, which controls calcium for steady bone growth
You do not need the most expensive food on the shelf. You do need a complete, quality puppy food your puppy does well on.
How often to feed
- 8 weeks to about 6 months: 3 meals a day
- 6 months to adult: 2 meals a day
Feed at the same times every day. A steady schedule also makes potty training much easier, because what goes in on a schedule comes out on a schedule. See our potty training guide.
How much to feed
Start with the amount on the food bag for your puppy's age and expected adult weight, then adjust based on your puppy's body.
Here is the easiest check: you should be able to feel the ribs with light pressure, but not see them sticking out. From above, your puppy should have a slight waist.
- Ribs easy to see? Feed a little more.
- Cannot feel the ribs? Feed a little less.
Bully puppies should look solid, but a fat puppy is not a healthy puppy. Extra weight puts stress on growing joints.
How to switch foods
If you want to change foods, do it slowly over 7 to 10 days:
- Days 1 to 3: 75% old food, 25% new food
- Days 4 to 6: half and half
- Days 7 to 9: 25% old food, 75% new food
- Day 10: all new food
If your puppy gets loose stools, slow down.
Treats and extras
Treats are great for training, but keep them to about 10% of your puppy's daily calories. Use small pieces. You can also use part of your puppy's regular food as training treats.
Safe extras in small amounts include plain cooked chicken, plain pumpkin and some vegetables like green beans and carrots.
Foods to avoid
Never give your puppy:
- Chocolate
- Grapes or raisins
- Onions or garlic
- Xylitol (found in some peanut butters and sugar-free gum)
- Cooked bones, which can splinter
- Alcohol or caffeine
Do American Bully puppies need supplements?
Most puppies eating a complete puppy food do not need extra supplements. Adding calcium to a puppy diet can actually cause bone problems. Talk to your vet before adding anything.
Water
Always keep fresh water available, especially in the Florida heat. Bullies can overheat fast, and a full water bowl is your first line of defense. Read more in our Florida heat guide.
Common feeding mistakes
- Overfeeding to make the puppy look bigger. Muscle comes from genetics, good food and time, not extra calories.
- Switching foods too often. Pick a good food and stick with it.
- Feeding adult food too early. Stay on puppy food until your vet says to switch, usually around 12 months, or later for larger bullies.
- Too many table scraps. They add calories and can upset the stomach.
- Hard exercise right after eating. Let your puppy rest after meals.
When to call the vet
Call your vet if your puppy stops eating, vomits more than once, has diarrhea for more than a day or seems weak. Young puppies can get sick quickly.
Frequently asked feeding questions
Should I feed my Bully puppy raw food?
Some owners do, but raw diets must be carefully balanced for growing puppies and handled safely. Talk to your vet before switching.
Can I free-feed my puppy?
We recommend set meal times instead. It helps with potty training and makes it easier to control weight.
Bottom line
Feed a complete puppy food, 3 meals a day until about 6 months, keep your puppy lean and switch foods slowly. That is the foundation for a healthy, strong American Bully.
Looking for your next puppy? See our available American Bully puppies, read the FAQ, or call or text 561-714-2477. NMG Bullies is in Greenacres, Florida.