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In this guide we’ll take a look at the best dog food for Pugs.
We’ve compared the quality of ingredients, nutritional information, and value for money.
Our top recommended Pug dog food is Earthborn Holistic Natural Dry Dog Food.
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Pugs are very affectionate, playful dogs, with big personalities! Sadly they are prone to several health issues, many of which will need surgery and/or ongoing treatment. Alongside this, a good quality, nutritionally balanced diet can help to support their health.
Pugs are a small breed. They have small stomachs, meaning they can only eat small meals! These meals need to have the correct balance of nutrition in small portion sizes, so a diet tailored specifically for small breeds is best. Of course, the smaller kibble size helps too!
Pugs can struggle with acid reflux, so an easily digestible diet may be a good option. Feeding little and often can help with this too. Some diets have added prebiotics to support a healthy gut.
Despite their small size, Pugs are often on the podgy side! It’s really important to keep your Pug at a healthy, lean body weight, as this will help with their breathing and body temperature control.
Choose a diet with good quality, highly digestible protein to support healthy muscle mass. Weight management diets can be a good option for adult Pugs. In fact, some Pug-specific diets are designed with weight control in mind.
Unfortunately, among other things, Pugs are prone to skin problems. They are especially prone to infections in the skin folds around their face and tail. Choosing a diet enriched with fatty acids such as EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), found in fish oils, can help to nourish the skin and coat.
Pugs are loveable dogs, who unfortunately come with a host of breed-specific health concerns. This means it’s really important that you discuss your Pug’s diet with your vet, who will be able to advise you on the best nutrition based on their health and medical history.
All of our dog food suggestions are carefully selected by professionals. We extensively research the products to check if they’ve been approved by governing bodies before making recommendations. You can read more about our stringent review standards here. And remember, always consult your veterinarian first, before changing your dog’s food.
Earthborn Holistic Coastal Catch Grain-Free Natural Dry Dog Food provides all of the nutrition the Pug needs to thrive. A diet enriched with l-carnitine, this important supplement encourages a lean body condition, an important help for a breed that can be prone to obesity.
This diet, among the best foods for Pugs, is rich in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids from its heavy emphasis on fish-based proteins. These provide an excellent support for coat and skin that are healthy.
Earthborn Holistic contains no grains or gluten. Its carbohydrates are derived from fruits and vegetables that are easy to digest and high in dietary fiber.
Wellness Complete Health Adult Whitefish & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food is a well-rounded diet that offers excellent nutrition for the Pug. This diet is based upon whole whitefish, a protein source that is unlikely to cause any skin issues in this breed. Carbohydrates in the form of easily digestible whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are included in this formulation.
Wellness Complete is free from wheat, corn, soy, by-products, artificial flavorings, colorings, and preservatives, making it one of the best dog foods for Pugs.
Eagle Pack Original Adult Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Formula Dry Dog Food hits all the high points a Pug requires from its diet. Flavorful to stimulate the appetite of the Pug, this food provides the optimal blend of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats to support the health and wellness of the Pug.
This diet, considered to be among the best dog foods for Pugs, includes antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables to boost the Pug’s disease-fighting properties. Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids have been added to support the development of a healthy coat and skin. Also included in this formulation are glucosamine and chondroitin to ensure optimal joint health.
Eagle Pack is free from corn, wheat, by-products, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food is a high-quality diet that is well-suited to meet the nutritional needs of the Pug. A diet whose primary ingredient is salmon, this protein-rich formulation includes the essential fatty acids necessary for a healthy coat and skin.
CANIDAE is a limited ingredient diet which makes it an excellent choice for Pugs that have expressed skin sensitivities. This recipe contains no gluten, grains, wheat, or soy. Probiotics have been added to encourage fluid digestive processes, ensuring it a place on the list of the best dog foods for Pugs.
Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Dry Dog Food’s high price tag is a deterrent for some families; however, this nutrient-rich food is calorie-dense, offering excellent value for families with Pugs. A diet that lists chicken as its primary ingredient, Instinct is rich in high-quality proteins derived from animal origins.
Instinct is free from grains, potato, corn, wheat, soy, by-products, artificial colors, and preservatives. Probiotics have been added to ensure good digestion.
With so many nutritional benefits to offer, Instinct is easily one of the best dog foods for Pugs
The comical Pug is a charming little fellow. Cuddly, adorable, and lots of fun; the jolly, little Pug has relatively low activity requirements but still requires a high-quality diet to fuel its daily energy.
Pugs can be prone to skin issues. Though these can be related to food allergens, they are often environmental in nature. If you are concerned your pug may be suffering from a food allergy or sensitivity, it’s best to speak to a veterinarian who can prescribe a hypoallergenic diet made from novel protein and carbohydrate sources or hydrolyzed protein.
Another issue that can be common to the Pug is a tendency towards obesity. To prevent this from occurring, owners should carefully measure the best dog food for Pugs and monitor all intake. This is the key to keeping the Pug’s weight under control. Free feeding is strongly discouraged as the Pug will overeat whenever the occasion presents itself.
Adult Pugs that are moderately active require approximately 500 calories of the best Pug dog food each day. The individual calorie count will vary depending on factors like activity level and whether the dog is spayed and neutered. The Pet Nutrition Alliance calorie calculator is an excellent guide but remember to consult your veterinarian for more detailed nutritional information.
It is recommended that the total amount of food be divided into three to four meals that are fed throughout the day. This helps to keep hunger at bay.
The Pug greatly benefits from a diet that is high in excellent quality proteins and healthy fats. 18 percent protein, at a minimum, is best with 5 percent of fat the lowest amount a diet suitable for the Pug should contain.
One of the primary ingredients in any diet suited to the needs of a Pug should be an animal-based protein. Whole meats from lean sources are preferred; however, meat meals can also provide all of the nutrition the Pug needs to thrive.
Carbohydrates form an important part of a healthy diet for the Pug. Pugs that suffer from skin problems may require a hypoallergenic diet but this should always be discussed with a veterinarian. The main concern with carbohydrates in the diet for most Pugs is that they are easy to digest and provide sufficient amounts of dietary fiber.
Healthy fats provide the Pug with energy and also promote the development of healthy skin and coat. Fats are best obtained from animal origins and can include such ingredients as oily fish like sardines, mackerel, anchovies, or salmon. Certain plant-based oils may also be a good source of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.
Here is a basic list of the most important things to look for in the best food for a Pug:
One of the primary ingredients in any diet for the Pug should be protein from animal origins. Whole meats are preferred, but meat meals are also an excellent basis for a healthy diet.
Any diet for the Pug can benefit from the addition of helpful supplements. The most desirable ones to look for include glucosamine, chondroitin, prebiotics, and probiotics.
All foods appropriate for the Pug should bear the AAFCO seal of approval, indicating it meets the standards for a complete and balanced food.
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