What Do Pugs Eat?

Pugs can be considered as the most popular dog breeds in the world. They're tiny, adorable, loyal, and don't need much space (or food) to stay healthy. Many people are surprised to learn that pugs eat like other dogs. They have similar nutritional needs, gastrointestinal tracts, and energy requirements. Each dog is unique to their nature, and their qualities will show when they are little, as black pug puppies will be relatively different than retriever babies. 

In fact, their tiny size makes things even more straightforward than for other breeds such as Frenchie pug puppies, but before we get into what exactly pugs eat and how much they should be eating each day, let's talk about some general information about these lovable little guys.

Pugs, like all dogs, require a balanced and nutritious diet. This allows them to maintain their health and well-being. Their diet should contain high-quality dog food formulated to meet their nutritional needs.

You can choose between commercial dog food or preparing home-cooked meals for your Pug. If you opt for commercial dog food, look for high-quality brands that contain real meat, vegetables, and grains. Read the label to ensure that the food contains all the essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals your pug needs.

Pugs Are Small and Have Unique Needs

They tend to be overweight and suffer from breathing problems, so they must have access to high-quality food, and their dietary requirements are in line with other small dogs.

• Pugs need fewer calories than other dogs of the same size. 
• They should eat between 350 and 400 calories per day, which can be calculated by multiplying their weight by pounds by 10--so if you have a 20 lb Pug, he would need 200-220 calories per day (20 x 10 = 200). 
• If your pup appears overweight or gains too much weight despite being fed his recommended daily food, consider reducing his calorie intake until he reaches an ideal weight for his frame size.

Pugs Are Considered "Easy Keepers

They don't need to eat a lot to stay healthy. However, if your Pug is prone to obesity or has any other health issues, talk with your vet about how much food he needs.

• Pugs should be fed high-quality kibble that meets AAFCO standards for adult dogs (1-year-old and older). 
• Most pug owners feed their pets two cups per day; however, this can vary from owner to owner depending on the size of their pet's breed and activity level. 

If you need to figure out how much food your Pug should get daily, check in with your vet first!

Most Pugs Should Eat About 2.5 Cups of High-Quality Kibble Per Day

Kibble is a good source of nutrition for most dogs, but it isn't the only option out there. If you want to feed your Pug raw food, check with your vet before changing its diet! Weather you choose to provide natural food, make sure that it's high quality and balanced--this way, you can avoid any potential problems later down the line due to an unbalanced diet (such as allergies). 

If you prefer to prepare home-cooked meals for your Pug, consult a veterinarian or a canine nutritionist to ensure the meals meet their nutritional needs. A pug's diet should contain protein, carbohydrates, fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Avoid giving your pug foods harmful to dogs, such as chocolate, grapes, raisins, and foods high in salt or sugar.

Check with Your Vet for Specifics About Your Pug's Food Needs; Every Dog Is Different

In addition to picking the right food, it's essential to ensure your Pug is getting enough of it. The best way to judge whether or not your Pug is overweight is by looking at its body condition score (BCS). Your vet will tell you what BCS seems like for a healthy dog, but generally speaking, if they're plump with visible ribs and hip bones and have a broad chest--and no other health issues--they're probably at a good weight. If they seem too thin with sunken eyes or are bloated from overeating, they might be underweight; if their stomach hangs low between their hind legs and there's little padding between their vertebrae, they may be overweight (or just big-boned!).