Staffordshire Bull Terriers are one of the most popular breeds in New Zealand. They are compact, muscular, and full of energy, with a loyal temperament that makes them brilliant family dogs. But their athletic build and breed-specific health tendencies mean they benefit from a diet that is carefully matched to their needs.
Staffies are prone to skin sensitivities, can gain weight quickly if overfed, and need quality protein to maintain their lean muscle mass. This guide covers what to look for in a Staffy's diet, the best food options available at Petdirect, and how much to feed at every life stage.
What Staffies Need From Their Diet
High-Quality Protein
Staffies are muscular dogs that need protein from real meat sources (chicken, lamb, fish, beef) to maintain lean muscle mass. Look for foods where a named animal protein is the first ingredient.
Healthy Fats and Omega Fatty Acids
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids support skin health, coat condition, and joint function. This is especially important for Staffies, who are prone to skin allergies and irritation.
Joint Support
Their stocky, muscular build puts extra load on their joints. Foods with added glucosamine and chondroitin, or a separate joint supplement, can help keep them moving comfortably as they age.
Controlled Calories
Staffies love their food and can gain weight easily. Choose a food with moderate fat content and measure portions carefully to keep them at a healthy weight. Read our pet weight management guide for more tips.
Best Dog Food for Adult Staffies
Staffies are a medium-sized breed (typically 11 to 17kg), so medium-breed or all-breed adult formulas are the best fit. Here are our top picks.
Best Everyday Options
These are well-balanced, high-quality foods that suit most healthy adult Staffies. They provide the protein, fats, and nutrients an active medium-breed dog needs.
Best for Skin Sensitivities
Staffies are one of the breeds most prone to skin allergies and irritation. If your Staffy is scratching, has red or flaky skin, or gets recurring hot spots, a food designed for sensitive skin can make a real difference. Look for formulas with limited ingredients, novel proteins, or added omega fatty acids.
Best for Food Sensitivities (Limited Ingredient)
If you suspect your Staffy has a food allergy, a limited-ingredient diet with a single, novel protein source can help you identify the trigger. These formulas keep the ingredient list short and avoid common allergens. For more options, read best grain-free dry dog food for sensitive stomachs in NZ.
Best Premium and High-Protein
For Staffies who are highly active or who thrive on a protein-rich diet, these premium options deliver higher animal protein inclusions and nutrient-dense recipes.
Best Food for Staffy Puppies
Staffy puppies grow quickly and need a diet that supports healthy muscle development, strong bones, and a robust immune system. Choose a puppy formula designed for medium breeds, which provides the right balance of protein, fat, calcium, and phosphorus for controlled growth.
Feed your Staffy puppy three to four meals a day until around 6 months, then reduce to two meals a day. For more guidance, read best puppy food in NZ.
Best Food for Senior Staffies
Staffies are generally considered senior from around 8 to 9 years of age. As they slow down, their calorie needs decrease but their need for joint support and easily digestible protein increases. Switch to a senior formula that is lower in calories but rich in glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3s. For more on transitioning, read how to transition your dog to senior food.
Supplements for Staffies
Even on a high-quality diet, some Staffies benefit from targeted supplements, especially for skin health and joint support.
Skin and Coat
If your Staffy has ongoing skin issues, an omega-3 supplement can help strengthen the skin barrier and reduce inflammation.
Joint Support
Staffies carry a lot of muscle on a compact frame, which puts extra stress on their joints. A joint supplement can help maintain cartilage health and mobility, especially as they age. For more, read joint support for active dogs.
How Much to Feed a Staffy
Staffies are food-motivated dogs who will happily eat more than they need. Portion control is essential to prevent weight gain, which puts extra strain on their joints and can shorten their lifespan.
| Life Stage | Meals Per Day | Feeding Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy (8 weeks to 6 months) | 3 to 4 | Follow the puppy food packaging guide based on expected adult weight (11 to 17kg). Weigh food daily. |
| Junior (6 to 12 months) | 2 | Transition to 2 meals per day. Continue following the packaging guide and adjust based on body condition. |
| Adult (1 to 8 years) | 2 | Typically 150 to 250g of dry food per day depending on the brand, activity level, and whether you are also feeding wet food or treats. |
| Senior (8+ years) | 2 | Reduce portions slightly as activity decreases. Switch to a senior formula with joint support and lower calories. |
These are general guidelines. Always follow the feeding recommendations on your specific food and adjust based on your dog's body condition. You should be able to feel your Staffy's ribs without pressing hard, and they should have a visible waist when viewed from above.
Common Staffy Health Issues Related to Diet
Skin allergies
Staffies are one of the most allergy-prone breeds in New Zealand. Food allergies (commonly to chicken, beef, wheat, or dairy) can cause itching, redness, ear infections, and hot spots. If you suspect a food allergy, try a limited-ingredient diet with a novel protein like duck, fish, or pork, and consult your vet.
Weight gain
Staffies love food and can pile on weight quickly, especially if they are getting too many treats or not enough exercise. Excess weight puts strain on their joints and heart. Stick to measured meals, limit treats, and keep them active.
Joint issues
Their muscular build puts extra load on their joints, and Staffies can be prone to cruciate ligament injuries and arthritis as they age. A diet rich in omega-3s and glucosamine, combined with a healthy weight, is the best preventive approach.
Digestive sensitivity
Some Staffies have sensitive stomachs. If your dog experiences frequent loose stools, gas, or vomiting, try a food formulated for sensitive digestion. Avoid sudden food changes and transition gradually over 7 to 10 days.
Shop Dog Food for Staffies
Find the Right Food for Your Staffy
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Shop Dog FoodFrequently Asked Questions
What is the best protein source for Staffies?
Most Staffies do well on chicken, lamb, or fish-based foods. If your Staffy has skin allergies, fish or duck can be a good alternative as they are less likely to trigger a reaction. Look for foods where a named animal protein is the first ingredient.
Should I feed my Staffy grain-free food?
Not necessarily. Grain-free is only needed if your dog has a confirmed grain sensitivity. Many Staffies do perfectly well on foods that include wholesome grains like rice and oats. If you suspect a food allergy, work with your vet to identify the specific trigger rather than eliminating grains by default.
How do I know if my Staffy is overweight?
You should be able to feel your Staffy's ribs without pressing hard. When viewed from above, they should have a visible waist behind the ribs. From the side, their belly should tuck up slightly. If you are unsure, ask your vet to do a body condition assessment.
My Staffy is always scratching. Could it be their food?
Possibly. Food allergies are common in Staffies and can cause itching, redness, ear infections, and hot spots. Common triggers include chicken, beef, wheat, and dairy. Try a limited-ingredient diet with a novel protein and consult your vet for allergy testing if symptoms persist.
When should I switch my Staffy to senior food?
Most Staffies are considered senior from around 8 to 9 years of age. Signs that it may be time to switch include slowing down on walks, stiffness after rest, weight gain, or changes in appetite. For a step-by-step guide, read how to transition your dog to senior food.
Can I feed my Staffy raw food?
Some owners choose to feed raw, and Staffies can do well on a balanced raw diet. However, it requires careful planning to ensure complete nutrition. If you are considering raw feeding, consult your vet and read our dog nutrition 101 guide for the fundamentals.