How Much Should A Pug Eat [Pug Feeding Chart]

How much should a Pug eat? Let’s find out together…

When it comes to feeding your beloved pug, there is no doubt that you want to make sure they’re getting the proper nutrition without overfeeding them. But, exactly how much should a pug eat?

In this quick and easy guide, we have got you covered! Read on to learn more about how to keep your pug’s diet on track.

Table of Contents show

Essential Nutrients for Pugs

Here are some essential nutrients that should be included in a Pug’s diet:

Protein: Pugs require high-quality protein to maintain muscle mass and support growth and development. Protein should make up approximately 30%-40% of their diet.

Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates provide energy and should make up about 10%-15% of a Pug’s diet.

Fats: Fats provide essential fatty acids that are important for the health of a Pug’s skin and coat. They should make up about 5%-10% of a Pug’s diet.

Fiber: A small amount of fiber in a Pug’s diet is beneficial for digestive health. It should make up about 4%-7% of their diet.

Calcium and phosphorus: These minerals should also be considered when selecting a Pug’s food, especially during their growth and development stages.

Vitamins and minerals: Pugs require a range of vitamins and minerals to maintain optimal health. Look for dog food products that contain added vitamins and minerals or consider using supplements.

It is important to note that Pugs have specific nutritional needs, and it is best to consult your vet about what food is best for your pet.

How Much Should a Pug Eat

Feeding your pug the appropriate amount of food based on age, weight, metabolism, health conditions, and activity level is important.

To make it easy, we will provide you with how much a pug should eat for dry and wet or canned dog food on a table.

Table 1: Feeding Recommendations for Dry Dog Food

Age Range	Weight at Feeding Age	Amount to Feed per Meal	Frequency of Meals
1 to 2 months	1 to 3 pounds	1/4 to 1/3 cup	4 to 6 times/day
3 to 6 months	5 to 12 pounds	1/3 to 1/2 cup	3 times/day
7 to 12 months	12 to 18 pounds	1/2 to 3/4 cup	2 to 3 times/day
1 to 5 years	13 to 22 pounds	1/2 to 3/4 cup	2 times/day
6 years above	13 to 22 pounds	1/3 to 1/2 cup	1 to 2 times/day

Table 2: Feeding Recommendations for Wet/Canned Dog Food

Age Range	Weight at Feeding Age	Amount to Feed per Meal	Frequency of Meals
1 to 2 months	1 to 3 pounds	1/4 to 1/2 can (4 oz)	4 to 6 times/day
3 to 6 months	5 to 12 pounds	1/2 to 3/4 can (4 oz)	3 times/day
7 to 12 months	12 to 18 pounds	3/4 to 1 can (4 oz)	2 to 3 times/day
1 to 5 years	13 to 22 pounds	1/2 to 3/4 can (4 oz)	2 times/day
6 years above	13 to 22 pounds	1/4 to 1/2 can (4 oz)	1 to 2 times/day

Note: These serving sizes are only guidelines and the amount of food your pug needs may vary based on their needs, activity level, and metabolism.

Please remember that pugs are prone to obesity, so monitoring their weight and adjusting their portions is crucial.

Factors Influencing Pug’s Food Intake

Here are some factors that can influence a Pug’s food intake:

1. Age: As a Pug puppy grows, its food intake will increase and change based on nutritional requirements. Older dogs may require a different diet, as their metabolism and nutrient requirements may change.

2. Size and Weight: Pugs are a small breed, and their food intake will vary depending on their size and weight. Larger Pugs will typically require more food than smaller ones.

3. Activity Level: A Pug’s food intake should be adjusted based on its activity level. A more active Pug will require more calories to maintain its energy levels, while a less active Pug may require fewer calories.

4. Health Issues: Certain health issues such as diabetes, allergies, or gastrointestinal problems can affect a Pug’s food intake. In these cases, a specific diet may be recommended by a veterinarian.

5. Owner’s feeding practices: The way a Pug is fed can also influence its food intake. For example, if a Pug is free-fed or offered table scraps regularly, it may consume more calories than it needs, leading to obesity and other health problems. It’s important to establish a feeding routine and offer a properly balanced diet to ensure a Pug’s long-term health.

Free-feeding vs. scheduled meals for pugs

Here are some pros and cons of free feeding vs. scheduled meals for pugs:

Free-Feeding

Free-feeding, or leaving food out for your Pug to eat whenever they want, can be convenient for busy owners, but it has pros and cons which include:

Pros:

Convenient for busy owners
Allows Pugs to regulate their own eating habits
Can help Pugs maintain a healthy weight

Cons:

This can lead to overeating and obesity if Pugs are not monitored closely
This can make it difficult to determine if your Pug is eating enough or too much

Increases the risk of food-related behavioral issues, such as resource guarding

Scheduled Meals

Scheduled feeding involves providing your Pug with a set amount of food at specific times throughout the day, this has its own pros and cons, which include:

Pros:

Helps control Pug’s eating habits and prevent overeating
Can be easier to manage Pug’s weight and dietary needs
May help prevent food-related behavioral issues

Cons:

May not be as convenient for busy owners
This can make it difficult to regulate Pug’s eating habits if they are particularly hungry or have a high metabolism

Pugs may become anxious or fixated on meal times, leading to unwanted behavior

Commercial Dog Food vs. Homemade Diet for Pugs

Two options for feeding pugs are commercial dog food and homemade diets. Let’s explore the pros and cons of each option.

Commercial Dog Food:

Pros:

Convenience – Commercial dog food is widely available and easy to purchase at your local pet store or online.
Complete Nutrition – Most good quality commercial dog foods are nutritionally complete and balanced, providing all the necessary nutrients your Pug needs.
Controlled Quality – Commercial dog food manufacturers adhere to strict quality control standards to ensure their products are consistent and safe for your dog to consume.

Cost-effective – In general, commercial dog food is more affordable than preparing a homemade diet, especially if you choose a high-quality kibble.

Cons:

Lack of variety – Feeding the same commercial dog food every day can become monotonous for your Pug.

Questionable Ingredients – Some commercial dog foods may include lower-quality ingredients and fillers that are not healthy for your Pug.
Allergies – Your Pug may have an allergic reaction to certain ingredients commonly found in commercial dog foods.
Over-processing – Some commercial dog foods can be over-processed, reducing the nutritional value of the food.

Homemade Diet:

Pros:

Quality Ingredients – When preparing a homemade diet, you have more control over the quality of ingredients, which can help ensure your Pug is consuming a healthy, balanced meal.
Variety – You can vary your Pug’s diet to keep it interesting and provide them with a range of nutrients.

Allergies – If your Pug has a known food allergy, preparing a homemade diet allows you to eliminate that ingredient from their diet.
Nutritional Value – Preparing a homemade diet can ensure that your Pug is receiving the necessary nutrition.

Cons:

Time-consuming – Preparing a homemade diet can be time-consuming and requires a significant investment of time and effort.
Cost – Homemade diets can be expensive, as high-quality ingredients can be costly.
Nutritional imbalances – Preparing a homemade diet can be challenging, as it can be difficult to achieve the right nutritional balance.

Risk of contamination – Preparing a homemade diet requires careful handling and preparation to avoid contamination of the food.

Choosing the Right Food for Your Pug

Here are some important factors to consider when choosing the right food for your pug:

Types of Dog Food

There are three main types of dog food available: dry, wet, and semi-moist.

Dry dog food is the most common type, as it is easy to store and typically the most affordable.

Wet dog food is a good option for dogs who have trouble chewing or require more moisture in their diet.

Semi-moist dog food is the least popular type of dog food, consisting of soft and chewy pellets that are high in sugar and salt.

Ingredients to Look For

When selecting dog food for your pug, it is important to look for foods that list meat as the first ingredient, preferably a whole protein source such as chicken or beef.

Avoid foods containing fillers such as corn, soy, or wheat, as they provide little nutritional value.

Additionally, opt for foods that have added vitamins and minerals to ensure your pug is receiving a well-balanced diet.

Treats and Snacks for Pugs

Treats and snacks are an important part of a Pug’s diet, as they can be used for training, reward, and bonding purposes.

However, it’s important to note that treats and snacks should only make up a small portion of a Pug’s daily caloric intake.

Overfeeding treats and snacks can lead to obesity and other health issues, which can be especially problematic for Pugs who are prone to weight gain.

Role of treats and snacks in a Pug’s diet

Treats and snacks can be a useful addition to a Pug’s diet, as they provide an opportunity for training and bonding with their owner.

However, these snacks should be given in moderation, as they can contribute to weight gain and other health issues.

One way to control calorie intake is to use small, low-calorie treats or make your own treats at home.

Choosing healthy treats for Pugs

When choosing treats for your Pug, it’s important to focus on high-quality, nutrient-dense options that are low in calories.

Avoid treats that are high in sugar, salt, and fat, as well as those that contain artificial flavors or preservatives.

Some healthy options include fresh fruits and vegetables (such as carrots and green beans), lean meats (such as chicken or turkey), and low-fat dairy products (such as plain yogurt).

Importance of treats and snacks in moderation

As mentioned above, it’s important to give treats and snacks to Pugs in moderation to prevent weight gain and other health issues.

Overfeeding treats can lead to obesity, which can increase the risk of joint problems, respiratory issues, and other health conditions.

To prevent weight gain, it’s important to limit treats to no more than 10% of a Pug’s daily caloric intake and to choose low-calorie, nutrient-dense options whenever possible.

Proper water intake for Pugs

Pugs are small-sized dogs that require proper hydration to maintain their health and well-being.

Pugs should drink between ½ and 1 or more ounce of water per pound of body weight each day.

Let’s put it in a table:

Weight of Pug Dog (lbs)	Minimum Daily Recommended Water Intake (ounces)
5 lbs	8 – 10 oz
10 lbs	12 – 20 oz
15 lbs	18 – 30 oz
20 lbs	24 – 40 oz

Therefore…

For a Pug weighing 5 lbs, it is generally recommended they consume approximately 8 to 10 ounces of water each day.

For a Pug weighing 10 lbs, the minimum daily water intake should be around 12 to 20 ounces.

As the weight increases, so does the water requirement. A 15 lb Pug should ideally consume 18 to 30 ounces of water daily, while a 20 lb Pug should aim for approximately 24 to 40 ounces.

It is important to ensure that your Pug has access to clean and fresh water at all times and to monitor their water intake to make sure they are drinking enough.

Signs of Overeating and Obesity in Pugs

Pugs are among the dog breeds that are highly prone to overeating and obesity. Here are some signs to look out for:

Weight gain: Pugs that overeat will naturally gain weight. It’s important to keep an eye on their weight and ensure that it stays within a healthy range.

No or little visible waistline: A healthy pug should have a visible waistline, but if they are overweight, this will not be the case.

No palpable ribcage: You should be able to feel your pug’s ribcage without applying much pressure. If it becomes difficult to feel, this is a sign of excess body fat.

Distended abdomen: An overweight pug may have a distended abdomen due to the accumulation of fat.

Lack of grooming: Overweight pugs may have difficulty grooming themselves, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

Lack of energy: Overweight pugs may become lethargic and have a decreased level of energy due to the strain on their joints.

If you notice any of these signs in your pug, it may be time to adjust their diet and exercise routine to help them lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Learn more about what pugs can eat.

Conclusion

In conclusion, providing the right amount of food for your Pug is crucial for their overall health and well-being.

Understanding their nutritional needs, creating a balanced diet, and monitoring their eating habits are essential responsibilities of a pet owner.

By following the guidelines provided in this article, you can ensure your Pug lives a happy and healthy life.

How Much Should a Pug Eat [Pug Feeding Chart]