So, you’ve decided on a pug as your dog of choice. Great decision, and you’re not alone! One of the oldest recognized breeds is the pug, originating in China well before 200BCE. In the early days of the breed, they were so sought after that the only way to procure one outside of the Tibetan region was as a gift. Now however, pugs are popular worldwide, and one does not need to be an emperor to acquire one of these unique dogs.
But how do you take care of it and make sure it gets the proper nutrition it so rightly deserves? Whether you grew up with animals, are a current pet owner, or are looking for a new furry, family-friendly companion, navigating the plethora of information available online can be daunting. Not to worry; you’ve come to the right place! We’re here to help you figure out how best to feed your new pup so it can grow up to be a strong, healthy dog.
Build and Characteristics to Consider
A common and healthy weight for a pug is around 20 pounds. Since they are a small breed, an extra pound on a pug is more noticeable and problematic than a pound on a golden retriever. Moreover, they are prone to obesity because of their build and their characteristically flat face, which causes breathing problems and a short tolerance for exercise/playing outside in the sun.
While how much you feed your dog is an important consideration for any dog owner, it is of the utmost importance for pug owners because of their shape and size.
How Much Should You Feed Your Pug Puppy?
Give your pug puppy three measured meals per day. These measurements depend on how many months old your puppy is and how much they weigh. A general rule of thumb is to feed your puppy pug one ounce of food per one pound of body weight.
This feeding schedule can follow your personal or family eating schedule. Giving your pup their food while you eat yours is also a good way to train them – especially if you won’t be sharing any human food!
Additionally, regular veterinary visits are a great way to monitor a pug puppy’s weight. Remember, your veterinarian will have breed specific suggestions for you and can be a great source of knowledge. Don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as possible and take notes too if that helps.
While at home, know that simply monitoring your pug’s appearance goes a long way in avoiding an overweight dog and the health complications that can accompany it.
On a weekly basis, you should feel your pug’s rib cage. An animals’ ribs are an excellent indicator of whether they’re underweight or overweight, regardless of the age of your pug. If the ribs are visible, your dog is likely underweight and will require extra daily feeding.
If you pat the sides of your dog and cannot feel the ribs at all, your dog is probably on the overweight side. If you can feel the ribs a little when petting lightly, and they are not obstructed by any rolls of body fat, this is most likely the ideal weight for your dog.
Bear in mind that the amount of food your pug will require will fluctuate. Puppies require more calories and nutrient dense food than adult dogs because they’re developing so much every day and burning calories left and right playing with all those new toys you got them and exploring their new home. On average, a puppy requires 50 calories per pound of their body weight.
Dried Kibble Feeding vs. Wet Food
Dried kibble provides a less expensive, convenient, and easy-to-measure solution for delivering nutrients to your dog. If you’re busy and on-the-go, or just watching your wallet, it’s okay to feed your pug kibbles. Not to mention, kibbles can be beneficial to the development of your pug puppy’s teeth and gums by scraping off plaque as it enjoys its meal.
Unfortunately, pugs are more susceptible to allergies than other breeds. So, be on the lookout for itchy skin, snorting, and runny stools!
If you notice your puppy won’t stop scratching, snorting, or making a wet doo-doo on the carpet, then you have a problem and should consider stopping the brand of kibbles you are providing. There will be lots of bathroom accidents with your new pup and it’s always a better cleanup when the stool is solid.
It’s also worth noting that wet food is the better solution for dogs missing teeth, or those who initially refuse dry food. If the canned food aesthetic and refrigeration required to keep wet food fresh isn’t right for your home, but your pug wants something other than dried kibble, then experiment with adding hot water or meat broths to your pet’s dry food.
Mixing foods like this can be a beneficial strategy when switching brands of food, switching from puppy to adult food, and concealing canine medications provided by your vet!
Finally, a crucial difference between dry and wet foods, is the amount your dog will require to feel full. Wet foods can often be more appealing to dogs with a pickier appetite, but it’s perishable nature means it will become dry and discolored if not consumed promptly after coming out of the can.
This is off-putting to many dogs and may even make them sick. Dry food lasts after exposure to air, making it a common choice to leave in a pet’s bowl 24/7 (free feeding). The free feeding approach is not recommended for a breed as prone to obesity as pugs, and you will likely find that three structured meals per day of dry food will disappear quickly with a hungry pup. So much for being non-perishable!
Final Thoughts – How Much To Feed A Pug Puppy
So how much should you feed your pug puppy? No two of these unique animals are the same, but with the tips above you should be well on your way to having a happy healthy dog.
About the author
Rachael is the co-founder and editor at Pug Facts. Owner of one elderly Pug, she’s dedicated to helping other Pug owners create healthy, happy, lives with their furry best friends.
