Staffordshire Bull Terrier Feeding Guide – Australia

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier has a reputation as a tough, aggressive breed designed for fighting – but anyone who’s brought a Staffy into their lives knows these dogs are actually affectionate and sweet natured softies. Staffordshire Bull Terriers are incredibly loving dogs who adore children and social interaction. They are athletic, strong, and loyal, making them excellent family pets. With their loyalty comes a bravery and fearless nature that allows them to be great guard dogs as well. 

However, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier can be a handful for inexperienced owners. They are strong willed little dogs with a lot of muscles behind them, so precise training and care from puppyhood is essential to getting your dog socialised and healthy as early as possible. 

Bringing home a Staffy can be a challenge for lots of reasons, but one element of their care you may not have considered is food.

You might have questions about what to feed your Staffordshire Bull Terrier, how often to feed your Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or how much food a Staffy puppy needs. This Staffordshire Bull Terrier feeding guide will cover all those questions and more. Join Hypro Premium as we take you through everything you need to know when it comes to your Staffy’s diet.  

How Much Should You Feed a Staffordshire Bull Terrier Puppy?

The best food for Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppies to consume early in life is specially formulated puppy milk. Staffy puppies are usually milk fed exclusively until they are about 3 weeks old, and will usually be finished with the weaning process when they are around 7-8 weeks old. 

Milk feeding is a job usually left to breeders, as Staffordshire Bull Terriers should not be adopted out until they are 8 weeks old. Chances are your dog is already eating solids, but if you do need to wean them, start by creating a mixture of puppy kibble and their preferred puppy milk or water. 

You can feed this paste to your puppy up to 4 times a day. Gradually begin to reduce the amount of milk or water added to the puppy food until your dog is used to eat solids exclusively. Your puppy should be eating solids by the time they are three months old. 

Once your Staffy is eating dry food, feed them three to four times a day.  three meals. As you’ll see in this Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy feeding guide, your dog’s feeding needs will change to accommodate their growing body. 

4 Months – 10 Months

Your tiny Staffy puppy has a lot of growing up to do in the first few months of life. Between the ages of 4 and 10 months old, your pup will on average gain around 4 kg. That may not sound like a lot, but it is if you only weigh 6 kg to begin with! During this stage of life, your Staffordshire Bull Terrier will begin to grow their adult coat, and will usually need to begin obedience training. These headstrong pups need a lot of socialisation and training in their early years to grow up to be productive, safe, and happy dogs. 

The amount to feed your Staffy during this age group is determined by their weight and the energy density (kcal of the food). Feeding guides provided on the food packaging will guide on how much to feed. Puppies will always require a higher kcal requirement than adult dogs. 

10 Months – 12 Months

By the time your Staffy is 10 months old, they will be approaching the end of puppyhood and will start to fill out. They will look a lot more like an adult Staffordshire Bull Terrier – however, that doesn’t mean they have finished growing. In fact, your dog will probably continue to develop muscle and grow broader until they are around 3 years old. You may also notice that your Staffy’s head may continue to grow larger for another 6 months after their first birthday. While your puppy will look more like an adult, they won’t be fully mentally mature for a few more years. 

From 10 to 12 months old, the amount of food will be reduced depending on their weight and activity level, with meals fed on average twice daily. . Once they are 1 year old you can move your Staffy from specially formulated puppy food onto an adult dog food. 

What Should You Feed Staffordshire Bull Terrier Puppies?

Puppies have different nutritional requirements to adult dogs, and that goes for Staffordshire Bull Terriers too. Your Staffy puppy’s stomach is a lot smaller than an adult dog’s stomach, which makes it harder for them to digest large amounts of food quickly and safely. Make sure you are being careful not to overfeed your puppy, as this can be problematic. Also, your dog needs adequate amounts of healthy fats and calories for energy, as well as protein to start building and maintaining those famous Staffy muscles. 

Another issue you can start to address through your dog’s diet is hip and elbow dysplasia. This is quite a common problem for this breed and other active dog breeds, and it often starts in puppyhood. A high quality pet food that is formulated for puppies specifically is a great way to help avoid this painful condition. Hypro Premium’s Grain Free Turkey & Lamb, for example, is delicious and nutrient rich food with plenty of omega-3 fatty acids, riboflavin and antioxidants. This dry food is a great way to make sure your puppy is getting all the nutrients they need to grow up strong and healthy. 

How Much Should You Feed a Staffordshire Bull Terrier Adult Dog?

The amount of food your dog needs is usually based on their weight, reproductive status, and lifestage. Once your Staffy is an adult, they could weigh anywhere between 10 kg and 17 kg. Males tend to be slightly larger than females, which can make them a little heavier. Male Staffordshire Bull Terriers tend to weigh around 12.5 kg – 17 kg, while females are usually between 11 kg and 15.5 kg. 

For most Staffordshire Bull Terriers, who are of average weight and getting at least one hour of exercise each day, their caloric intake should be between 850 and 1100 calories per day. If your dog is getting less exercise, because they are older or ill, then you may need to feed them a reduced calorie intake.  

You should be feeding your Staffordshire Bull Terrier at least twice daily, morning and night, in evenly spaced meals from the time they are around 9 months old. The amount of food they need daily should be split evenly into these two meals. You can also fit toileting and regular exercise into their feeding routine. If you aren’t sure how much to feed your Staffordshire Bull Terrier, consult your vet for help establishing a healthy feeding routine. 

Special Considerations

Staffies are pretty hardy and adaptable dogs, so are usually content to eat what they are given. However, by being mindful of your dog’s diet, you can help safeguard your pup from disease. One of the most common issues that Staffies can suffer from is allergies. Environmental factors such as pollen, grass, dust, mould, cleaning products, medications and  insect bites. Some staffies also appear susceptible to food sensitivities, namely proteins. 

Best Food to Feed Staffordshire Bull Terrier

One of the major health issues that Staffies can suffer from are food sensitivities. It’s important for you to be aware of the contents of foods you are providing to your dog Staffordshire Bull Terrier, as grains, dairy, eggs, grass, perfumes, and even some medications can cause reactions in your dog. Here are a few of the main options for you to consider as you choose the best food to feed your Staffordshire Bull Terrier. 

Wet foods can be useful for dogs with dental issues such as tooth extractions, as it is easier to eat. It can also contain lots of protein, which is essential for maintaining your Staffy’s muscles.

Many pet parents like the idea of giving their dog a raw food diet, as it’s more closely representative of what a dog may eat in the wild. However, raw food requires a lot of work on your part, and may not be a sustainable option for busy families. 

Dry food can be a great choice for Staffies who are predisposed to dental issues caused by plaque build up, as chewing on crunchy kibble can help keep their teeth clean. It keeps well, doesn’t cause a big mess, and is generally more cost-friendly. 

How To Make Sure Your Staffordshire Bull Terrier Stays Healthy and Fit

Apart from allergies, your Staffordshire Bull Terrier should be pretty easy going when it comes to food. Your Staffy will need the right nutrients and amounts to suit their stage of life, whether they are a bouncing energetic puppy or a dozy older dog. You need to be mindful of how their needs change as they grow older, and as their activity levels or size change. 

This includes avoiding overfeeding, as well as foods that are commonly found in the home but are dangerous to your dog’s health. Grapes, chocolate, nuts, onions, cooked bones, and artificial sweeteners can cause serious illness in your dog, so should be totally avoided. By monitoring your dog’s food intake, you can also better spot signs of illness like a loss of appetite, as well as address any antisocial behaviours like food aggression. 

Exercise is just as important as food when it comes to keeping your dog fit and healthy. Staffies are very social, but can develop dangerous behavioural problems if they are not physically and mentally stimulated. An hour of exercise each day helps your dog stay fit, socialised, and well-behaved. 

How Often Should I Feed My Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

It can be hard to juggle your dog’s needs – including feeding, toileting, and exercise – as well as your family’s needs. This is why a consistent feeding schedule can be useful in making sure your dog is happy and healthy. Feeding your dog on a schedule means you can monitor how often you should feed your Staffordshire Bull Terrier, as well as their behaviours around food, and keep an eye out for signs of illness or distress like loss of appetite. You can also make sure they are eating enough food each day, and avoid overfeeding. A feeding schedule can also make house training a lot easier. 

The amount of meals your Staffordshire Bull Terrier needs will change over the course of their life, as they grow and their stomachs become more able to digest food for longer periods of time.

All adult dogs should be fed once in the morning and again at night, at regularly spaced intervals. If you decide to walk your dog before their evening meal, make sure your Staffy has time to run around and burn off that extra energy before bedtime each day. 

How Many Treats Should I Feed My Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

For breeds like the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, obedience training is essential. While your dog is almost certainly a sweet and loving pet, they need to be well behaved in public places and around children. Staffies need to be socialised from a young age to avoid aggressive behaviours. Positive reinforcement is an excellent way to teach your dog what behaviours are acceptable and what to avoid. Treats can play a big role in making sure your dog’s training is successful. 

Staffies are clever dogs who are eager to please, but they also love food, so treats are highly motivating! Not only do dogs love them, but they are a good way for owners to show their dog some love through food. However, you need to make sure treating your dog does not turn into overindulging your dog. Treats should never make up more than10% of your dog’s overall caloric intake. 

Hypro Premium for Adult Dogs

If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy dry food option for your Staffy, try the range of high quality grain free dog foods from Hypro Premium. Your Staffy may suffer from sensitivities, so take the guesswork out of providing safe, tasty food for your pup with these delicious grain free and grain inclusive kibble. 

For Staffies who need extra skin, eye, and coat support, try Hypro Premium’s Grain Free Ocean Fish or Grain Inclusive Fish and Potato kibble. Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids are vital for maintaining healthy and functioning skin and eyes, as well as improve kidney, brain, and heart health. These tasty fish based formulas are packed full of these nutrients, as well as antioxidants, and healthy oils like flaxseed, sunflower seed and emu oil to support joint health. 

Packed with plenty of protein for muscle support, Hypro Premium’s Grain Free Kangaroo & Lamb is the perfect option for your high energy Staffy. Lamb and Kangaroo are not only great sources of protein, but they are full of minerals and amino acids. Grain Free Kangaroo & Lamb also contains naturally sourced carbohydrates, including veggies like potato, carrot, and spinach. This dog food will give your pup all the energy and skeletal-muscular support they need to be happy and healthy.