American Staffies are all heart — and all muscle. That means what you put in their bowl matters.

From powering their high-octane zoomies to supporting sensitive skin and strong joints, a real food diet can be game-changing for this bold, energetic breed. But with a few common health quirks in the mix, not just any food will do.

In this guide, we unpack exactly what an American Staffy needs to thrive — with expert-backed advice to help you feed them with confidence. 

Read more: American Staffy breed insights: care, personality & expert tips 

How nutrition can help common American Staffy health concerns 

Skin issues and allergies 

American Staffies are prone to skin conditions including dermatitis and allergies, often caused by environmental or dietary triggers. A diet free from common allergens like chicken, beef, dairy, wheat, soy, and corn can be beneficial. 

Try this:

Opt for a novel protein diet such as Lyka’s Hypoallergenic Pro, made with goat, to help reduce allergic reactions. It’s crafted without typical allergens and includes anti-inflammatory ingredients like turmeric and omega-3s that soothe itchy, irritated skin. 

Read more: Dog skin allergies: triggers, symptoms and itch relief treatment (with photos)

Joint support 

With their solid frames, American Staffies are vulnerable to joint stress and conditions like hip dysplasia and arthritis. Supporting joint health through their diet can be a proactive step, especially as they age or if they're highly active. 

Try this: 

Incorporate foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids from fish, fish oil, and flaxseed, and ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties like turmeric and ginger to promote joint mobility and comfort. 

Lyka's Joint Supplement contains curcumin extract (from turmeric), Boswelia extract, and is rich in omega-3s from Green-lipped mussels – great for supporting strong and supple joints.

Read more: Hip dysplasia: how can your dog’s diet help?

Weight management 

American Staffies have muscular builds but can be prone to weight gain if overfed or under-exercised. Excess weight not only strains joints but can contribute to other health concerns. 

Try this: 

Choose meals that are portion-controlled and nutrient-dense without excess fillers. Lyka’s fresh meals are individually portioned and high in protein, supporting lean muscle maintenance while keeping calorie counts in check. 

Read more: Lyka’s vet guide to healthy dog weight (with charts and videos) 

How to choose the best food for your American Staffy 

Fresh food, raw, wet or dry? Supermarket, pet shop, or delivered to your door? There are so many dog food options on the market — where do you begin? 

1. Complete and balanced 

American Staffies, like all pups, need a complete and balanced diet containing the right nutrients in the right proportions. 

Australia has pet food standards, but they’re largely unregulated. Many brands follow AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) or FEDIAF (European Pet Food Industry Federation) guidelines. 

Meeting AAFCO and FEDIAF standards is just the start. Lyka meals are formulated by a team of Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists to ensure they’re complete and balanced for all life stages. 

Read more: Dog food ingredients: a glossary of common and confusing terms 

2. Optimal nutrition for your American Staffy 

Not all dog food is created equally. Variety and quality of ingredients and cooking methods can all impact the nutrient availability of your dog’s food. 

Many raw dog food options present a good balance of high-quality protein, fresh produce, and superfoods. But not all dogs can easily digest raw food, especially pups with a weakened immune system, or digestive issues. 

Dry food (kibble) often contains high amounts of carbohydrates and synthetic vitamins and minerals. The animal protein used in kibble is often pet-grade, like meat meal or meat by-products, that vary in quality and are not subject to the same checks as human-grade meat. Kibble is usually cooked at high temperatures which can reduce digestibility and can lead to the potential formation of harmful compounds, like acrylamides. 

Home cooking can be a great option for your dog, but it's time-consuming and making sure each mouthful is complete and balanced is not easy to do without expert guidance. 

Lyka meals are made using human-grade ingredients and are gently cooked then snap-frozen to retain their nutritional value and digestibility. Each meal is high in protein and custom-portioned to meet your dog’s daily needs. 

Want to dig deeper into which type of food is best for your American Staffy? We’ve created a series of guides to help you make an informed choice. 

Read more: Freshly cooked vs kibble for dogs: which is better?  
Read more: Freshly cooked vs raw meat for dogs: which is better?  
Read more: Freshly cooked vs home cooking for your dog: which is better?  
Read more: Freshly cooked vs wet food for dogs: which is better? 

How much food does an American Staffy need? 

Serving size recommendations based solely on weight don’t tell the full story. Your dog’s energy level, lifestyle and body condition score are all part of the picture. 

That’s why Lyka calculates your American Staffy’s portion sizes based on their personal profile, not just on their weight. 

Establish a consistent feeding routine with your American Staffy to support their digestion, especially if they have a sensitive stomach. 

Do American Staffy puppies and senior dogs need special food? 

Not necessarily. Nutrient-dense, real food meals formulated by Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists for all life stages — like Lyka — cover the daily requirements of both growing pups and dogs in their golden years. 

Read more: Why real food is the healthiest choice for senior dogs 
Read more: What should puppies eat? Expert nutrition tips for optimal development

New to Lyka? Let’s rethink dog food together 

Parenting an American Staffy comes with plenty of decisions. Choosing what’s in their bowl is one of the most important. 

Designed by Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists and made with real, human-grade ingredients, Lyka meals are custom-portioned to match your dog’s needs. 

American Staffies across Australia are already thriving on Lyka — yours could be next. 

Join our pack of proud American Staffy parents today.