Best Dog Food for Pugs [Top Picks & Guide 2021]

Pugs are completely irresistible. They are adorable, quirky, and naughty with a unique and funny appearance. Despite looking all compact and sturdy, these dogs require attention and care to keep them healthy and contented. That being said, you must often wonder - what is the best dog food for Pugs?

For canines to stay in great shape and health, you must feed them with healthy food choices. Their nutrition needs differ from the demands of medium and large dog breeds. Ideally, the best food for Pugs is those that contain high-quality ingredients. It should have proteins and carbohydrates from animal-based sources are great ingredients for dog food for Pugs. 

When choosing food for your Pugs, don’t forget to consider their specifically-shaped muzzle. It makes picking up and chewing large kibbles difficult for them. More so, this breed is also prone to allergies and shedding. Canine nutrition experts have established a connection between a dog’s skin and coat health to the type of nutrition that they get. For these reasons, we have searched thousands of dog foods and found the most-recommended picks by fellow Pug parents. Scroll down on our list and feeding guide to help you to find an ideal choice for your pet!

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING DOG FOOD FOR PUGS?

Next to their human, Pugs love food best, and they can quickly become overweight if you let them. You must choose high-quality dog food for Pugs to ensure that these active little pups get the right amount of their nutritional needs. 

Ideally, check the protein and carbohydrate sources. Their protein should be from animal-based sources like fresh meat or meat meals. If your little canine does not have any allergies or food sensitivities, you can explore various food options except those that are typically harmful to dogs. 

It is crucial to maintain a healthy weight and lean body for your Pug. Ensuring that your pooch gets the right amount of food that will keep them satisfied and giving them enough physical activity can guarantee a long and exciting life with your pup. Most of these dogs will not require any specific diet, unless they are in a particular age group, have any health condition or have allergies.

HERE ARE SOME THINGS TO CHECK WHEN LOOKING FOR DOG FOODS FOR YOUR PUG DOG

• Ingredients - most dog food is made with natural ingredients and contains essential nutrients to support your dog’s holistic growth and development. Though there is a dry dog food that is specially formulated for the Pug breed, you have the option to give any dry dog food that is catered for their size and physical needs. For instance, if your pet has any sensitivity or allergies, you might want to go for a grain-free recipe. Also, don’t forget to consider the food that is rich in nutrients to support the unique wrinkled skin of the Pug.
• Age and Size Suggestion - Kibble type dog food comes in various shapes and sizes. For your Pug breed, make sure to choose kibble sizes that are ideal for short-snout breeds. These dogs find it difficult to eat when given large kibble sizes or when the kibbles are not shaped for their muzzle type. Similarly, don’t forget to check the indicated age on the dog food package. Adult dog foods are differently formulated from Puppy dog foods. If you are not sure about what kind of dog food to give you Pug, it is best to consult your veterinarian for their recommendation. Pugs are prone to allergies, and each one of these pups are unique in their way; therefore, it is better to be safe than sorry.

RECOMMENDED PUG DOG FOOD FOR PUPPY AND ADULT

HOW MUCH FOOD SHOULD I FEED MY PUG?

There are two methods of feeding you can apply with your pooch - the free feeding and scheduled feeding style. Free feeding means you leave out food for your pooch to access as they wish, while scheduled feeding is offering them a specific amount of meals at certain times. 

For puppies age eight weeks to six months, you can give food three times a day. Additionally, you can give them healthy snacks in between meals.  

For Pugs that are six months and older, you can give them three meals per day. Doing this can help avoid bile buildup due to an empty stomach as well as prevent your pup from eating too fast once their meal has arrived. If your pooch does not bother with the midday meal, you can skip this and give them dry snacks instead.

Ideally, scheduled feeding is best for adult Pugs. It will help control how much your pet eats to keep them fit and healthy. Here is the suggested feeding schedule according to age.

Generally, portion size should be based on your Pug’s weight. You should know the weight of your put so you can give them the right portion of dog food. Additionally, feeding guidelines are based on the active and healthy small breed of dogs. The serving size suggested is also a 1 cup to 1 and ¼ cup per day of dry dog food. 

On the other hand, if your dog is already at the 20-pound mark, you should start limiting their daily feed at one cup. 

As your Pug ages into their senior years, their metabolism starts to slow down. They also experience a decrease in muscle mass; thus, they become less active. For this reason, they need less food to maintain their weight and daily activity. 

But of course, you and your Pug’s lifestyle factors also influence their daily nutritional and feeding needs. Very active dogs may need more to replenish their energy. However, lazy, couch dogs and seniors will require less food to avoid unnecessary weight gain. You may consult your veterinarian for your pup’s body condition to get a clearer idea of what your pet needs.

WHAT FOODS PUGS CAN’T EAT?

Pugs are voracious eaters. They tend to eat anything that they like - you won't ever wonder what do Pugs eat. But before giving in to their pleading eyes, keep in mind that there is a whole range of food items that are not good for them. It includes fruits, vegetables, and other random items. Always be careful in giving them treats that are not for canines; otherwise, it might be fatal for them.  

Fruits are good for Pugs. It contains natural sugars that give them the energy to stay active and happy. However, some fruits are harmful to Pugs. Some examples of fruits that you are not supposed to give to your canine pet include grapes, plums, cherries, and peach pits.

Likewise, avocados, green tomatoes, raw potatoes, and mushrooms are harmful to all dogs in general. There are chemicals in these food items which may cause your pet to become ill. 

If your Pug loves treats, make sure to choose treats that are made for small breeds like them. Treats meant for larger dogs may have plenty of fat trimmings, which can lead to them becoming fat and overweight. Similarly, raw fish is another food item that should not be given to your Pug. 

Other food items that may pose harm to your pet include food items with caffeine like chocolate, coffee, and tea. Also, nuts, especially Macadamia, are hazardous to pet’s health.   

PUG NUTRITIONAL NEEDS

The Pug’s seemingly endless flow of energy and silliness quickly endear them to their owners. They love to play, and they also love to eat. Thus, it is best to give them well-balanced and filling dry dog food to prevent them from overeating. They need a high-protein diet balanced with complex carbohydrates to release their energy throughout the day slowly. 

The Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Small Breed Dog Food is highly-recommended dry dog food for your puppy Pugs. It provides necessary amounts of Protein (at 28%) and Fats (19%) to support the demands of a growing puppy Pug. 

On the other hand, senior Pugs will be able to appreciate the Purina Beneful IncrediBites Real Adult. It has a well-balanced nutritional recipe, including folic acid, biotin, and calcium. What makes this ideal for older pups is that the kibbles are softer and easier to chew compared with regular dry dog foods.

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