If this is your first Pug, you probably have no clue how much dog food you should be giving it.
If you weren’t fortunate enough to be given a Pug feeding chart from your vet or the breeder, you can find one below.
Still, you may discover information about how much to feed a Pug puppy here if you were unaware of the specifics before.
Pugs are very food-motivated and will do just about anything for a tasty treat. Unfortunately, pugs gain weight as fast as any other dog breed.
You are, supposedly, what you eat. The pug is a little dog, so even a slight increase in weight might be noticeable.
This highlights the need of monitoring your pug’s diet. In this article, we’ll go over what this cute canine should eat.
How Much Should A Pug Puppy Eat?
Because of their tiny stature and low activity levels, pug pups have a lower caloric need than puppies of other breeds.
A pug puppy’s daily calorie intake should be between a half cup and a cup of high-quality puppy chow, given in three or four smaller servings.
Because of their unique nutritional needs, small-breed puppies should be fed food that has been developed particularly for them.
It’s important to keep an eye on their calorie intake and refrain from providing them too many extras like table scraps or sweets since doing so might lead to obesity, which in turn can create health issues.
Pug Feeding Chart
A pug puppy’s RER, or the amount of energy needed to sustain fundamental body processes when at rest, must be established before any decisions about what to feed the young dog can be made.
The following formula may be used to get the RER:
RER = 70 x (body weight in kg) ^ 0.75
A pug puppy of 3 kilograms would have an RER of: RER = 70 x (3 kg) 0.75
A daily RER of 215 kcal
Once you know the RER, you may use it to estimate how many calories your pug puppy requires each day and then split those calories across multiple smaller meals.
Furthermore, make sure the puppy food you choose has all the nutrients it needs, and ask your physician for recommendations on how much and how often to feed the puppy.
4 Week Old Pug Puppy
Pug pups at this age should still be feeding from their mothers. If they aren’t, a milk substitute that has been authorized by a vet should be administered.
By the age of three to four weeks, you may begin feeding your puppy solid food.
Mix equal parts of puppy chow and milk replacer as a first step. Give a little bit (1-2 teaspoons) many times a day.
6 Week Old Pug Puppy
It’s recommended that by now, your pug puppy has graduated to an all-solids diet. Give 1/8 cup servings three to four times a day.
Weaning off of milk and onto solid food is complete when a pug puppy reaches this age.
Independence from their mother and siblings and other littermates may begin to emerge. Puppies may start interacting socially and maturing rapidly at this age.
8 Week Old Pug Puppy
Keep giving them 1/4-cup servings three to four times a day. Water should be kept fresh at all times. This is a good age to start teaching children to use the restroom without assistance.
At this age, pug pups are full of energy and wonder. As they become older, puppies often become more receptive to training and socializing.
10 Week Old Pug Puppy
Keep up the three or four feedings a day of very little amounts of food (about a quarter to half a cup each). It’s possible that puppies this age are more extroverted and self-assured.
There may be a period of boundary testing when they need constant guidance in training and socializing. Baby teeth may start falling out and adult teeth emerging in puppies.
12 Week Old Pug Puppy
Maintain a regimen of three to four feedings each day of half-cup portions. Proper potty training should have been completed.
They may begin to express themselves more openly and build their own identities. It’s possible that your dog may start to lose its puppy coat and grow into its adult coat around this time.
14 Week Old Pug Puppy
Maintain a twice-daily feeding schedule of very little meals (about a half cup to three quarter cup each).
Get started on the changeover to puppy food for adult dogs.
At this stage, a puppy’s independence grows, and certain adolescents-like behaviors may emerge. They may test limits and need ongoing socialization and discipline.
16 Week Old Pug Puppy
Feeding twice or thrice day (around 3/4 cup) should be continued. Make sure they get lots of exercise to keep their weight in check.
Their interests and preferences in playthings and other pursuits may become more clearly defined. It’s possible that puppies will start to show more personality and vocalization.
6 Months – 12 Months Old Pug Puppy
As pug pups reach this age, they need between 3/4 and 1 cup of food per day, divided between two meals. Maintain a high volume of physical activity and intellectual challenge.
Pug pups achieve their full size at this point, however they may continue to gain weight. As puppies become older, they often become more devoted to their families and develop stronger bonds with them.
12 Months & Above Pugs
Depending on their size and amount of activity, adult pugs need just a half to a full cup of food twice day. The amount they eat should be adjusted based on their weight.
At reaching adulthood, pugs often slow down and spend more time lounging. They may set in their ways, but they can still be taught new tricks with enough repetition.
Aging symptoms in adult pugs include the development of gray hair and a general slowing down of activity.
Understanding Pug Puppy Nutritional Needs
Depending on factors including their age, weight, and level of activity, the calorie needs of Pug puppies might change over time. Pug puppies, on the whole, may need anything from 400 to 600 calories each day.
The food of a Pug puppy should consist of between 22 and 25 percent protein, since this is the macronutrient most crucial for promoting healthy muscle and tissue development.
Consuming between 8 and 10 percent of their calories from fat is recommended for optimal health and energy levels.
Carbohydrates, an important source of fuel, should make up roughly 30-35% of their daily calorie intake.
Calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D are essential for the healthy growth of pug pups’ bones.
To maintain a healthy skin and coat, they need omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids as well. High-quality commercial puppy chow designed for pups is what you should be feeding your Pug.
How Many Times A Day To Feed A Pug Puppy?
The growth and development of pug pups may be supported by feeding them multiple little meals throughout the day.
Feeding them three to four times a day till they are roughly six months old is the norm. Six months in, you’ll be able to cut down to three meals a day.
A puppy’s age, weight, and activity level all influence how often and how much it should eat. To figure out how often and how much to feed your Pug puppy, talk to your vet. Having access to clean water at all times is also crucial.
Puppies of the Pug breed need three meals every day. For ages 8 weeks to 6 months, try to stick to this schedule for feedings.
As soon as your Pug reaches 6 months of age, you may begin reducing the number of times each day it is fed to twice.
Kibble vs Wet Food For Pug Puppies
Puppies of the Pug breed may be fed either kibble or wet food. Kibble is practical since it may aid in the prevention of tartar accumulation and can be stored easily.
Yet, the added moisture provided by wet foods may aid in the fight against dehydration and support efficient digestion.
Take into account your Pug puppy’s unique dietary requirements and preferences when deciding between kibble and wet food.
Wet food may have a better texture and flavor for certain Pug pups, while kibble may be a better choice for others. You should talk to your vet about what kind of food and how often you should feed your Pug puppy.
Switching From Puppy Food To Adult Food
At the time they are around 9 months – one-year-old, it’s best to transition your Pug puppy from puppy food to adult food.
Yet the specific time might vary from dog to dog based on their nutritional requirements. To prevent stomach trouble, the change should be made slowly over the course of a few weeks.
The puppy food should be mixed with some adult food at first, and then the quantity of adult food should be increased as the puppy food is phased out.
It is important to keep an eye on your Pug’s health and weight throughout this time and to alter the quantity of food you give him properly. If you want advice tailored to your Pug’s unique requirements, go to a vet.
What If My Pug Puppy Won’t Eat?
Identifying the reason of your Pug puppy’s refusal to eat is essential. Puppy anorexia may be caused by several things, including sickness, dental issues, stress, and dietary or habit changes.
When a Pug puppy stops eating for more than a day, it’s important to take them to the vet to make sure they’re healthy.
In the meanwhile, you may try introducing a new kind of food or moistening their normal kibble with a little quantity of wet food or broth to pique their interest.
Do not feed your Pug puppy any human food or table scraps since this might cause gastric discomfort and other health issues.
Can You Freefeed A Pug Puppy?
It’s not advised that you free-feed your Pug puppy, or leave food available for it all day. Pugs have a tendency toward becoming overweight and overeating, which may lead to a host of medical complications.
Instead, you should make sure your Pug puppy is receiving the right quantity of food by sticking to a regular feeding schedule and controlling portions.
This may improve general conduct and aid in the process of teaching toilet independence. For advice tailored to your Pug puppy’s age, size, and level of activity, it’s best to speak with your vet.
Best Puppy Dog Food For Pug
1. Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Pug Puppy Dry Dog Food
Editor’s Choice
Looking for a Pug puppy-specific premium dog food? Check out Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Pug Puppy Dry Dog Food.
This formula is designed for purebred Pugs. Little dogs with short muzzles may easily pick up and chew the kibble design.
This meal supports Pug immunological, skin, and digestive health with antioxidants and important nutrients.
Pros
- Customized nutrition
- Pug kibble is intended for their short muzzles
- Improves immune system
- EPA and DHA from fish oil for healthy coat.
- Supports digestive health
2. Blue Buffalo Tiny Breed Puppy Chicken & Oatmeal Food
Runner-Up
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Tiny Breed Puppy Chicken & Oatmeal Recipe is a puppy food with all the nutrients your pet needs!
Calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins strengthen bones and teeth in this specifically prepared combination.
“Puppy-sized” kibble removes tartar and fits tiny jaws. DHA and ARA help brain and eye development, while high-quality protein promotes muscular building.
Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids nourish your puppy’s skin and hair, while vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants boost its immune system.
Pros
- DHA and ARA enhance brain and eye
- Calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins for bones and teeth
- “Puppy-sized” kibble to remove tartar and preserve oral health.
- Vitamins, chelated minerals, and antioxidants for immune system,
- Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for skin and hair
- No corn, wheat, soy, or chicken (or poultry) by-product meal
Cons
- May contain artificial flavors
3. Purina ONE+Plus Natural Healthy Puppy Formula
Purina ONE+Plus Natural Healthy Puppy Formula for your puppy Dry Puppy Chow With Vitamins, Minerals, and Nutrients has visible and felt effects.
This puppy chow supports strong muscles and a healthy heart by starting with high-quality protein.
As he learns new skills, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients will improve your puppy’s eyesight and brain. Antioxidants and natural glucosamine will maintain his joints for a lifetime of sports.
Pros
- Protein-rich chicken is the first ingredient
- DHA aids puppy brain and visual development
- Four antioxidants boost immunity
- Omega-6, vitamins, and minerals for skin and coat
- No artificial flavors or preservatives
Cons
- Not the best packaging
4. Purina Pro Plan Brand Food Puppy Small Breed Chicken And Rice
Purina Pro Plan Brand Dog Food Puppy Small Breed Chicken and Rice Formula dry puppy food contains proven live probiotics for digestive and immunological health.
Your pet gets protein for an active lifestyle and a health boost. This puppy chow promotes brain and visual development with DHA from omega-3 fish oil.
FOCUS Chicken and Rice Formula was developed for tiny breed pups.
Pros
- Protein-rich for energetic little dogs
- Live probiotics for digestion and immunity
- Omega-3 fish oil DHA for brain and eyesight
- Bite-sized kibble makes chewing simpler
Cons
- Not the best Packaging
5. Purina Beneful With Farm-Raised Chicken Puppy Food
Purina Beneful Healthy Puppy With Farm-Raised Chicken Dry Puppy Dog Food gives your dog a tasty and healthy start.
This dog chow contains authentic U.S. farm-raised chicken and no artificial preservatives or flavors.
This tasty chow will nourish your dog with calcium and DHA for strong bones and teeth and brain and eyesight development.
Pros
- Calcium-rich nourishment for bones and teeth
- DHA for brain and eyesight development
- Bite-size kibble with genuine peas and carrots
- No artificial preservatives or flavors
- The number one ingredient is a tasty and high-quality protein
Cons
- Limited size options
Is A Raw Diet Healthy For A Pug Puppy?
The safety and effectiveness of a raw diet for Pug pups is a contentious issue.
Some pet owners and veterinarians may recommend a raw diet for your dog or cat, but others warn that it may be challenging to guarantee that the food is well-balanced and devoid of hazardous pathogens like Salmonella.
Similarly, if bones aren’t adequately crushed or prepared, a raw diet might cause suffocation. Raw seafood, for example, may be contaminated with mercury and other hazardous pollutants.
When deciding whether or not to give your Pug puppy a raw diet, it’s important to do your homework, talk to your doctor, and weigh the pros and drawbacks.
How Much Do Pug Puppies Grow Each Week?
Genetics, diet, and general health all have a role in how quickly a Pug puppy matures.
During their first few weeks of life, Pug pups usually put on a lot of weight and develop quickly. Typically, a Pug puppy will grow between 1 and 2 pounds each week between the ages of 4 and 6 months.
In certain cases, growth rates even level out as people enter adulthood. Puppies of the Pug breed normally attain their final size and weight by the time they are a year old.
Keep an eye on your Pug puppy as it gets older to make sure it’s developing normally, and if you have any worries, talk to your doctor.
How Much Water Should A Pug Puppy Drink?
Puppies of the pug breed need access to clean, fresh water at all times to ensure they stay well hydrated and can carry out their vital physiological processes.
Pug puppies need to drink water, but how much they need to drink depends on their age, weight, level of activity, and general health.
Puppies should consume between half an ounce and an ounce of water per pound of body weight daily.
To prevent dehydration, you should keep an eye on your Pug puppy’s water consumption. If you are worried about how much water your Pug puppy is drinking, you should talk to your vet.
