Pug Food

When it comes to nutrition, Pugs are not low-maintenance. They are prone to respiratory disorders, obesity, cancer, diabetes, hemivertebra, KCS, and Pug Dog Encephalitis. Over the years, indiscriminate breeding to meet high demand has led to puppies developing health complications that are often acute and lifelong. Hence, it is essential to feed your pug food that is age-appropriate, balanced, and nutritious.

A Pug's love for food knows no bounds, so they'll try everything possible to get those treats and table scraps from you. But, whilst you find yourself drowning in those puppy eyes, beware of obesity as Pugs put on weight almost too quickly. During the summer, it is best to feed your Pug a wet food diet to prevent dehydration since the breed is particularly prone to overheating and heat strokes.

Protein

Protein is an important macronutrient required to build and repair tissues, enhance skin and coat health, maintain hormonal balance, and regenerate cells and enzymes. Pugs need dog food with over 18% of protein content, whether it is plant-based or animal-based. In order to determine the right type of protein for your Pug’s body, it is best to draw up a diet chart with your veterinarian or a certified canine nutritionist. Young pups, i.e. those below the age of 1, require more protein than adults because their bodies are still growing. Here, the best food for a Pug puppy is one that offers tailored, breed-specific nutrition for optimum growth and development of both the brain and body. Likewise, Pugs that are over 9 years old need to switch onto a senior dog diet with more protein to replace lost muscle mass due to ageing.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are necessary sources of energy and brain activity for Pugs. However, the amount of carbohydrates your dog requires depends on his/her age, activity level, and possible allergens. An active Pug, i.e. one who receives more than 2.5 hours of daily exercise, requires more energy than dogs who receive anywhere between 1.5 hours of daily exercise. It is often believed that carbohydrates are the source of obesity in this breed and whilst that is partially true, obesity from carbohydrates primarily stems from overfeeding and underexercising. A Pug that lives a sedentary lifestyle does not burn calories while sitting down after a walk, they only burn calories when they’re active through play, walks, swimming, and other forms of exercise. 

Fat

Fat in Pug food is anywhere between 5-8%. Healthy fats are often in the form of oils - fish oil, cod liver oil, olive oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil, and more. They help with cushioning organs, improving brain function, maintaining healthy skin and coat, decreasing allergies, and improving digestion. 

Vitamins & Minerals

Essential vitamins and minerals for your Pug are found in vegetables, fruits, and seeds. Calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, zinc, and iron are essential minerals, likewise, vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K are essential vitamins - all of which are found in nutritious, balanced, and wholesome dog food. Vitamins and minerals are necessary for proper hormone function, strengthening of joints, maintaining skin health, and boosting the immune system.