Pug Puppy Foods

Pugs are relatively low-maintenance dogs. However, they do require some regular, basic care to keep them happy, healthy and in good shape.

If you have bought a puppy, it will probably be on about four meals a day which will provide him with a steady source of fuel throughout the day that is easily digested.  Ask the breeder to supply you with enough food to start you off with and make sure that you have the feeding instructions before you collect the puppy so that you have the time to read and fully understand the routine. Never be afraid to ask if you do not understand. These days, puppy packs are readily available for breeders to give to the new owners.

Gradually, as he gets older, these four meals can be reduced to three meals a day, giving your pug the some daily ration but split up into three meals instead of four.

A further meal can be cut out by the time your puppy is six months old so that he will be on two meals a day – breakfast and supper or at a time to suit you and your puppy keeping to the same quantity of food but now only twice a day. To compensate for the lost meal, perhaps that is the time for a small treat or reward while training takes place.

All pugs are different of course. Some pugs remain on three meals all of their lives; the majority have two meals; and some just have one. Generally, it is preferable to give two meals a day to small breeds.

Pugs usually love their food and they really look forward to their next meal. Just occasionally you do get a fussy feeder and it is important not to let them rule you,  Pick the bowl up and take it away, offering it later on.  Do not get into the habit of adding a little bit of this and a touch of that to try and tempt them. They are usually just trying it on and testing you.  Of course if there is a real problem then you have to respond.

TYPE OF FOOD

There are so many types of dog food on the market – from tinned food that is fed with biscuits, to dry, complete foods that are perfectly balanced for a dog’s needs in terms of growth and health. Some dogs prefer wet foods, but there are many advantages to dry complete types; they help to remove plaque from teeth, and there is no fuss – you just accurately weigh out the amount you need and put it in your dog’s dish. It is clean to use, and easy to store, and has a longer shelf-life once opened than wet food. If you feed a dry complete diet, do choose one that has small bite-sized pieces, which are easier for your pug to manage. Several manufacturers advertise their food as being perfect for a pug.  I always believe that if the dog likes what they are given to eat and you are happy with the end result then you have got it right.

Most brands have various life-stage types for puppies, adolescents, adults and older dogs, to cater for your dog’s changing nutritional needs. You can always take advice from your dog’s breeder who will have already experienced those life stages with their own dogs.  It is to be remembered that the feeding quantities as recommended by the manufacturer are only a guide; you dog’s waistline is the best test.

Some people prefer to feed a home-prepared fresh diet of meat and vegetables. Do consult your vet if you are planning to do this, and he or she will be able to guide you on catering for your dog’s complex nutritional needs. Without guidance, you could malnourish your Pug.

OBESITY

Pugs love their food, and will search for the last crumb. If you are eating a meal, you will usually find a Pug at your feet, waiting for any dropped bits or for you to give in to his hard stare and give him something from your plate. Don’t give in or be tempted to.  The word is NO.  Once the dog has succeeded in breaking you down you have lost a major battle and you will be Pug’s target for the rest of his life, expecting you to relent again and again. Plus, of course, snacking between meals is a big no-no, one that will result in your dog piling on the pounds.

Pugs are muscular, bulky dogs, but they should not carry any excess body fat. Obesity puts undue pressure on your dog’s joints and heart, which will affect his quality of life – and possibly the length of it. Do not kill your dog with kindness. There are other, healthier ways of showing your dog that you love him/her – such as playing a game with his/her favorite toy, or cuddling on your lap.

Like humans, weight increase often occurs gradually and unnoticeably. Owners are usually the last people to realize that their Pug needs a diet. The only way to keep an accurate track of his weight is to put him on the scales once every month.

If your Pug is overweight, you should reduce the amount of food he is eating, and you may also consider changing the type of food to a diet/lite variety. If the weight just isn’t shifting and you are weighing the food accurately and neither of you are cheating/giving in, ask your vet’s advice. Many clinics also run weight-advice sessions and regular weigh-ins, but of course, they will charge you for it!

CHEWS AND TREATS

Pugs are great chewers – and often have expensive tastes. Antique furniture, favorite shoes, children’s toys and first edition books are favorites, so make sure you provide a cheaper and safer alternative for you Pug to gnaw on.

Your Pug will enjoy a chew or a knuckle-bone – particularly when he is teething.

Large chews are enjoyed by Pugs. They help to alleviate boredom during quiet times, and also help to control plaque build-up on the teeth. Special dental chews are available at pet stores and in the supermarkets There are so many toys available that are suitable for chewing and playing with but avoid small, thin chews that are just designed as a chew (the sort that come in multiple packs) as they can get lodged in the dog’s throat.  There have been health scares over some items that come from overseas, so I should go for the well known brands and buy British.  Ask the sales assistant at the pet store for advice and make sure that the toy is not too small, but not so big that Pug cannot lift it and carry it around.  Take Pug to the pet store and see what reaction you get to various toys and watch out for squeaky toys; the squeak is chewed out very easily and it can also drive you mad!

CHANGING A DIET

You are advised to stick to the diet recommended by your dog’s breeder or rescue centre. If you need to make changes (for example, if you have difficulty getting hold of the recommended brand), then this should be done very gradually to avoid your Pug developing a tummy upset.

Just put a spoonful of the new food into his meal, and a spoonful less of the former food. After a couple of days, put two spoonfuls of the new food in, and reduce the former food by a corresponding amount, until, over the course of a couple of weeks, a complete change-over has been made.