Popular brands of dry food for pugs, which one is better to choose?

People adore these friendly and sociable dogs with huge, sad, naive eyes and choose pugs as their pets. Representatives of this breed have a funny face and an excellent appetite. If you ask any pug: “What do you want?”, he will answer with 100% probability: “Something tasty.” Which dry diet to choose, what to pay attention to, how much to give and when - you will find answers to these questions in the article.

Rating of the 10 best dry food for Pug

Place	Name	Rating	Price, rub.
1	1st Choice Breeders for miniature breeds with chicken (20kg)	5.0 / 5	7335
2	ProNature Holistic (for miniature breeds) (0.34 kg)	5.0 / 5	435
3	Orijen Original (6 kg)	4.9 / 5	3840
4	Go! Natural Holistic (holistic menu) Go & NOW Natural (690 g)	4.9 / 5	424
5	Ontario "Mini Weight Control" for small breed dogs, with turkey and potatoes (2.25 kg)	4.8 / 5	799
6	NOW FRESH salmon, duck, turkey (2.72 kg) (for miniature breeds)	4.8 / 5	1569
7	Acana Heritage (6 kg) (for small breeds)	4.8 / 5	3404
8	Wolfsblut Gray Peak Small Breed (15 kg)	4.8 / 5	6342
9	Grandorf (3 kg) Lamb with rice Mini	4.7 / 5	1600
10	Royal Canin for healthy skin and coat 2 kg (for small breeds)	4.7 / 5	625

Say a word about vitamins

During the period of mating, pregnancy, childbirth and for a lactating bitch, the owner must increase the amount of vitamins she consumes.

Milk, liver, fish oil, carrots, tomatoes and greens are foods rich in vitamin A, which is necessary for offspring growing in the belly. For the development of muscles, good skin and coat, you need vitamin B, which is found in brewer's yeast, cottage cheese, kefir, and potatoes. Vitamin C supports immunity during this stressful period for a female pug. It enters the body with vegetables and fruits.

Most vitamin D, which strengthens bones and tendons, is found in fish oil and liver. And salads made from carrots and beets with herbs will compensate for the lack of vitamin E, which is responsible for the body’s reproduction and the smooth course of pregnancy.

The above vitamins are important not only for the puppy bitch, but also for pugs of any age and condition. These products contain: calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, sodium, chlorine, iodine and other elements. They are needed for the coordinated functioning of all the dog’s organs, which directly affects its health.

What should be included

Before purchasing, it is important to carefully study the ingredients listed on the package. They are listed in descending order. The first place should be the animal component in an amount of at least 30-40%, cereals - no more than 5-8%, animal fat - up to 18%.

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Unwanted Ingredients:

• Chicken and chicken eggs. Pugs are often allergic to them.
• Dehydrated animal protein, unless source specified.
• Vegetable protein. It is poorly absorbed.
• Preservatives: propyl gallate (E310), BHA. May cause severe allergic reactions.
• Artificial colors, flavors, flavor enhancers, starch.
• Wheat and corn. One of the common causes of allergies.
• Legumes. Can increase flatulence in brachycephalic breeds.

Recommended Ingredients:

• Fish, turkey, duck, pork, lamb, beef.
• Vitamin and mineral complex.
• Probiotics. Good for digestion.
• Fennel, Fucus algae, Yucca Schidigera. They normalize feed digestion and have antifungal and antibacterial properties.
• Brown rice, barley, buckwheat. Contains many useful substances.
• Various vegetables except potatoes. It contains a lot of starch, which brachycephals do not digest well.

When choosing food for a pug, it is important to take into account its age and condition. Puppy food contains increased amounts of nutrients. In an adult or elderly dog, this will cause excess weight. If your pet is obese, then specially formulated foods with reduced calorie content are recommended.

What to do if you choked?

The opposite situation occurs when the pug has an excessive appetite. In this case, when eating food quickly, inaccurate swallowing of granules is inevitable.

The most severe complication will be food getting into the respiratory tract. At the same time, the pet begins to cough, choke, and spin around in place.

If your tongue begins to turn blue and breathing is clearly difficult, urgent help is needed.

To remove stuck food from the esophagus, sit your pug on your lap, with its back facing you. With your left hand you need to hold your head from above, slightly tilting it forward. With your right hand, clenched into a fist, make forward movements to the middle of the sternum, forward and upward.

How can I help besides this?

If food is stuck in the upper part of the esophagus, you may be able to remove it with tweezers. However, in this case, the help of a second person is necessary, since the procedure is unpleasant and resistance is inevitable.

If the manipulations do not bring relief to the condition, you need to take the pug to a veterinary clinic as quickly as possible.

1st Choice Breeders for miniature breeds with chicken (20kg)

The best option among super-premium feeds. It consists of high-quality meat, vegetables, and does not contain unnecessary third-rate components and by-products. The composition does not contain taste or smell enhancers or other artificial additives.

The price per kilogram (366 rubles/kg) is budget-friendly for a product of this quality. Product, there is a huge range of food for small breeds with other tastes, hypoallergenic types that are suitable for animals with a tendency to allergies.

pros

• There is no unpleasant smell, the animal’s mouth does not smell after eating;
• The condition of the coat improves;
• Does not cause digestive upset, suitable for animals with a weak gastrointestinal tract;
• Each product in the line is balanced according to the age of the animal for which it is intended (this product for adult miniature dogs contains the required 22% protein);
• Does not cause allergies;
• Convenient packaging with a clasp, the product does not run out.

Minuses

• It has the form of granules, which are much more difficult to digest when not chewed;
• Difficult to find in pet stores.

Inexpensive

When choosing an economical food option, you need to carefully study the composition. Most often, manufacturers replace high-quality ingredients with cheap fillers and thereby reduce the price. The situation with new Russian manufacturers is a different case. It is among them that you can find inexpensive food without dangerous additives.

For example, feed from the Grand Dog , produced in the Krasnodar region. According to the stated composition, the diet corresponds to holistic feeds, and at the same time has an economy class price level. Due to the lack of aromatic additives, the food is not always attractive to picky dogs, which is the only significant disadvantage.

A similar situation is with another Russian manufacturer – Zoomenu .

Another good food with a good price and good composition is Organix . The only downside is the presence of corn. However, if the pug is not prone to allergies, this food is perfect.

ProNature Holistic (for miniature breeds) (0.34 kg)

The best option from holisticists. The composition contains minerals, animal proteins, trace elements, vitamins. Consists of meat, fish, egg products, berries, fruits, vegetables, does not contain corn, wheat, soy, or other grains.

There are no chemical preservatives, aroma or taste enhancers. Veterinarians consider the products of this brand to be among the best for the constant feeding of miniature breed dogs.

pros

• High calorie content, the dog remains full for a long time, eating a small portion;
• The appearance of the coat improves with constant holistic nutrition;
• No problems with the gastrointestinal tract, well absorbed by the animal’s body;
• Suitable for dogs with intolerance to certain foods;
• After eating, the animal's mouth does not smell;
• The small package has a convenient clasp, the food does not run out.
• Does not cause allergies;
• Convenient packaging with a clasp, the product does not run out.

Minuses

• Not found in all pet stores.

Natural food

You can create the right menu yourself by first familiarizing yourself with the list of foods allowed for dogs.

Required for admission are:

• lean meats;
• sea ​​fish;
• skim cheese;
• offal: liver, heart, kidneys, lung, liver;
• dishes with vegetables, seasoned with vegetable oil.

This is interesting: “>What types of cabbage can be given to dogs

Expert opinion

Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

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It is prohibited to mix meat with other foods. It should be cut into large pieces.

Among the cereals that are beneficial for dogs are rice and buckwheat.

Orijen Original (6 kg)

Super premium product, suitable for all breeds, including small ones. Includes high-quality fish and meat, the content of which reaches a record 80% among other dry food, healthy herbs (dandelion, mint, turmeric).

All these ingredients help strengthen canine immunity. Does not contain third-rate by-products, chemical preservatives, flavor enhancers, aroma, vegetable proteins, gluten, or cereals. Orijen is suitable for active miniature dogs.

pros

• Record high animal protein content;
• Does not cause allergies;
• The composition contains several types of fish.

Minuses

• There is no fastener on the packaging so that the food does not dry out; it will have to be poured into a closed container;
• Strong odor and noticeable but short-lived odor from the animal's mouth;
• Rarely, problems with the gastrointestinal tract are possible.

Treatment of diseases with food

In the presence of various types of diseases, it becomes necessary to transfer the pet to specialized food, either completely or partially. Please note that in this case you will have to give up natural food and switch to ready-made medicinal food.

Naturally, not just any disease can be cured with dry food, but for example: obesity, allergies, molting, indigestion. Almost all premium food lines have products that can be used for these problems. It is better to choose specialized food of the brand that the dog is currently eating.

Go! Natural Holistic (holistic menu) Go & NOW Natural (690 g)

Suitable for all dog breeds, especially miniature ones. It contains only natural ingredients, calf meat, turkey, lamb, duck, fruits, berries, vegetables.

The product is perfectly balanced, the necessary animal proteins, carbohydrates, fiber, microelements, acids are present, there are no harmful soybeans, preservatives, odor and taste enhancers, or low-quality by-products. All components retain their properties thanks to gentle processing.

pros

• Convenient sealed packaging with a zipper: the food does not expire and does not lose its properties;
• The amount of excrement is significantly reduced, and its smell becomes less pronounced;
• High calorie content, the dog remains full for a long time;
• The coat becomes more shiny and smooth in appearance with prolonged constant feeding;
• Does not cause allergies or dental problems;
• The condition of the skin and eyes improves noticeably over time;
• Can be found in every pet store;
• Does not have a pronounced odor.

Minuses

• Large granules that are difficult to digest if the dog does not chew them;
• Possible odor from the animal's mouth;
• Occasionally, problems with the gastrointestinal tract occur.

Kitekat and other felines

It has long been known that cats are great gourmets, unlike dogs. To satisfy the whimsical tastes of cats, manufacturers often achieve enhanced taste with various additives. This is why canned cat food is extremely attractive to dogs.

However, veterinarians strictly do not recommend giving them to pets. The different chemical composition of the food and the different needs of animals of these species make canned cat food actually poisonous for dogs.

Long-term use puts a lot of stress on the kidneys and liver; they are simply unable to cope with the increased work and begin to fail. Also, inexpensive food may contain dyes that cause an allergic reaction in dogs.

If a pug accidentally eats canned food, it is necessary to monitor the reaction and, if necessary, give a sorbent or an antihistamine in case of an allergy.

Ontario Mini Weight Control with Turkey and Potatoes (2.25 kg)

Czech super-premium product. Recommended by veterinarians due to its perfectly balanced composition. Does not contain cereals or grains. The composition includes high-quality fish, meat products, vegetables (for example, tomatoes).

There are no low-quality ingredients, chemical preservatives, or meat and bone meal. Suitable for dogs with excess weight problems.

pros

• High content of lycopenes;
• Suitable for dogs with poor health, problems with joints and immunity;
• Does not cause a bad odor from the animal's mouth;
• All useful microelements in the form of chelates are absorbed by the dog’s body 100%;
• Small granules that are easy to digest;
• Distributed in pet stores;
• Hermetically sealed packaging.

Minuses

• Pronounced smell.

Calculating the norm

To calculate the approximate amount of natural products to feed a pug over a year old, you need to multiply a factor of 0.04 by the dog’s weight. As a result, you will get the required daily requirement. For example, a pug weighing seven kilograms will need 280 grams of food for one day. Which ones exactly, see the table:

In the daily diet proposed for feeding a pug, you should alternate meat with offal. You can give raw or boiled liver, heart, tripe, chicken stomachs. The lung is consumed only in boiled form. An egg yolk once a week can completely replace a quail egg. It will be useful to add garlic to cooked dishes, but not more than one clove per week. To replenish energy levels with carbohydrates, include boiled potatoes in your pug's diet. But be aware that excess starch causes diabetes.

NOW FRESH salmon, duck, turkey (2.72 kg)

Canadian quality holistic. Products of this brand do not include grain crops, by-products, chemical preservatives, aroma or taste enhancers.

High-quality meat, vegetables, and cereals maintain the required level of proteins, fats and carbohydrates in the animal’s body.

pros

• Unfastened packaging;
• Large granules may be difficult to digest if not chewed.

Minuses

• Pronounced smell.

Recommended and prohibited products

What to feed a kitten for 2 months: how many times a day and what food

It is important to remember which foods are off-limits for pugs. Here is a small list of foods that you should not feed your pug:

• various kinds of seasonings;
• mushrooms;
• raw eggs;
• potato;
• pasta;
• mayonnaise, cream;
• pickles;
• corn;
• semolina;
• raisin;
• grape;
• bread;
• oranges;
• peas;
• sugar;
• sausages, semi-finished products;
• smoked meats;
• chocolate;
• liver.

Note! If the owner ignores the rules, then in the future his pet will face a number of problems: obesity, poor quality of coat and teeth, and nerve-related disorders.

The list of permitted products includes the following:

• vegetables;
• boiled yolk;
• lean meat;
• fruits;
• cereals;
• veal bones;
• sea ​​fish;
• greenery;
• beef by-products.

Can pugs have milk? Yes, of course, in the early stages it is even necessary.

By introducing the above products in moderation into the pet’s diet, the owner will ensure that the dog’s body receives all the necessary elements.

If your dog wants an extra piece, don’t fall for his pleas.

Acana Heritage (6 kg) (for small breeds)

This Canadian product is a good choice for a miniature breed dog. It is suitable for both active animals and completely lazy ones. The food is holistic, that is, it contains only natural ingredients.

There are no cheap low-quality components in the products of this brand; feed wheat and bone meal are completely absent. Contains only meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, and high quality dairy products.

pros

• High concentration of animal proteins;
• Fresh ingredients;
• There are no carbohydrates (the dog’s body does not need them);
• A variety of fruits, vegetables, tonic herbs in the composition, which strengthen the heart and improve the condition of the gastrointestinal tract;
• Reduces insulin levels, strengthens the liver;
• High quality packaging.

Minuses

• May cause allergies;
• Noticeable fishy smell;
• High fat content.

For puppies

When choosing a diet for a puppy, it is best to give preference to the food he was on after birth from the breeder. The Starter lines are designed for bitches during pregnancy and for puppies up to two months of age.

For the pug breed, for raising litter, it is optimal to use feed from Royal Canin, as it is highly digestible, and from Monge, due to its impeccable composition. The transition to a different diet should be gradual so as not to cause stress to the puppy.

Wolfsblut Gray Peak Small Breed (15 kg)

https://dog-care.ru/zdorove/pitanie/luchshih-suhih-kormov-dlya-mopsa.html

German quality holistic specialist. The products of this brand include only those components that are easily absorbed by the dog’s body, without causing any digestive problems.

No wheat, oats, corn, starch or gluten. Meat makes up more than half of the food - cod, mackerel, haddock, pheasant, rabbit, trout, salmon, lamb.

pros

• Excellent balance of vitamins, minerals, healthy supplements;
• Complete absence of chemical ingredients (flavor and aroma enhancers and dyes);
• Moderate size granules;
• No noticeable odor;
• Elegant, high quality packaging;
• The company has an official website with a detailed description of the product and instructions;
• The condition of the coat improves.

Minuses

• Rarely available in pet stores;
• In isolated cases may cause constipation

Holistic food

These dog foods are made from the highest quality products. Holistics contain a high percentage of meat, reaching 80%, with a complete absence of by-products . The source of minerals, vitamins and various components useful for the pug are fresh vegetables, as well as berries and fruits.

Currently, holistic products differ not only in their basic composition, but also in cost.

The following ready-made diets belonging to the holistic class have proven themselves best:

• Now Fresh or Now Natural holistic;
• Go! Natural Nolistic;
• Applaws;
• Golden Eagle;
• Asana;
• Orijen;
• Grandorf;
• Velcando;
• Savarra;
• Canidae;
• Pronature Nolistis;
• Taste of the Wild;
• Earthborn Nolistic;
• Farmina N&D;
• ANF ​​Nolistic;
• Pissolo;
• Genesis Pure Canada;
• Wolfsblut;
• Savara.

This is interesting! Each manufacturer develops an individual formula and has its own approach to developing holistic food.

The composition of some of these high-quality diets is represented by a combination of several types of high-quality meat, while other manufacturers of dry diets produce exclusively grain-free foods or with the addition of a sufficiently large amount of fruit and vegetable mixtures.

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Grandorf (3 kg) Lamb with rice Mini

Suitable for a small breed dog. Veterinarians often mention this brand as the most suitable for dogs prone to allergies. The composition is completely free of chicken and grains.

In addition to meat, it contains components such as vegetables and grains. It is better to take this food for an active dog. If she is lazy, then Grandorf will make her overweight.

pros

• High meat content - >60%;
• High calorie content, the dog will be full for a long time;
• No chemical flavors or additives;
• Improves the condition of the gastrointestinal tract, restores intestinal microflora (and is even indicated for those dogs who have digestive problems);
• Improves the condition of the coat.

Minuses

• High in fat, a lazy dog ​​will quickly gain weight.

Owner reviews

“I’ve been giving Brit food for a long time and it has proven itself well. The canned food has a pleasant smell; whole parts of the liver and heart are visible in the pieces. The dog eats with great appetite. My dog ​​is allergic, but Brit suited us perfectly, the chair was well-designed and the fur was shiny.”

Anastasia Kern, owner.

“I saw this food in the store, at first I was happy about the size of the can and the price, but when I opened it, I was completely disappointed: the consistency was unpleasant, the smell was too strong. The dog did not immediately eat the portion, and after half an hour she began vomiting. I don’t recommend it to anyone, I expected better quality from Brit.”

Aigul Safina, owner.

“I liked the canned food from Monge. I was impressed by the composition of natural ingredients with a high meat content, they fall just a little short of holistic. The dog eats with appetite, but the changes were not immediately noticeable. It took about a month before good condition was gained and the wool acquired a pleasant softness and velvety.”

Roman Lepin, owner.

“Who would have thought that pregnancy could so greatly change the tastes of not only people, but also dogs. While in this position, my little pug flatly refused to eat dry food. We were in a panic, because fasting is very harmful during this period!

Royal Canin's specialized food for pregnant and lactating dogs came to the rescue. Canned food has a very pleasant smell, attractive color and, judging by the dog’s reaction, a pleasant taste. The downside is that after canned food, the dog completely refuses to return to dry food.”

Tanya Novikova, pug breeder.

Royal Canin for healthy skin and coat 2 kg (for small breeds)

Famous French super-premium food. It is of good quality, but lower than that of competitors (discussed in paragraphs 1-9).

Royal Canin Mini contains grains and vegetable proteins.

pros

• Does not cause allergies;
• Nutritious, but does not cause excess weight in the animal (the energy intensity of the diet and the protein content in the product are precisely calculated);
• Available at many pet stores;
• High-quality packaging;
• Moderate size granules;
• Restoring the condition of the coat;
• Contains sodium polyphosphate, which prevents the formation of plaque;
• The composition includes many useful microelements;
• Improved digestion.

Minuses

• With constant feeding of this food, it is impossible to do without additional supplements with vitamins and microelements;
• Inconvenient packaging without fastener;
• Contains poorly digestible grains and artificial additives (preservatives, dyes.);

Among these foods, the best choices for a miniature animal would be 1st Choice Breeders Miniature Breed with Chicken (20kg) and Wolfsblut Gray Peak Small Breed (15kg).

The first is the highest quality, and at the same time inexpensive, super-premium food.

The second is a natural holistic company, and the company has a detailed official website with all the information on the food and instructions.

Both products have a minimum of disadvantages, which are offset by advantages from the balance of nutrients, vitamins, microelements and the absence of harmful preservatives to convenient packaging.

We use the trial method

Despite the many advantages of natural food, you will not be able to independently determine the quantitative set of useful microelements and vitamins. You won’t even know what you can replace them with. Consequently, a diet made from natural products will always be only approximately balanced. An excellent way out of the situation is ready-made dry food, where specialists have already calculated everything.

The amount of proteins, fats, carbohydrates and other components is indicated on the packaging, recommendations are given on how to feed the pug correctly, that is, how much food should be given at one time depending on its weight. All you have to do is follow the proposed scheme. However, not all so simple.

The fact is that the pug is a breed prone to allergies, obesity, and its digestive system is not very stable. Therefore, in practice, until you find the food that is suitable for your pet, you may have to try more than one brand. We advise you to choose ready-made meals of at least premium class.

For example, the well-known Royal Canin can attract many pug owners with its relatively low cost. It is made on a plant basis with the addition of chicken by-products. But whether it is suitable for your pug is a moot point. To determine this, we recommend buying some food and seeing how the dog and his body react to such food. This advice applies to any brand and manufacturer. This food comes in the following types:

• Brit (hypoallergenic, with lamb and rice);
• Organix (for sensitive dogs);
• Acana (for puppies, lactating and pregnant bitches);
• Bosh (for older dogs);
• Orijen (due to its high protein content, suitable for very active pugs and puppy dogs);
• Wolfsblut (does not cause allergies);
• Go Natural Holistic (grain-free, suitable for dogs of all ages);
• Eukanuba Adult (high quality protein sources and low fiber content);
• First Mate (grain-free fish and potato based puppy diet);
• Arden Grange (high meat content).

For this poro, the American food Canidae All Life Stages, which does not contain too much protein, may be suitable. Or Hill's Science Plan, which is produced in the Netherlands. Its advantage is the reduced amount of proteins, and its convenience is the small size of the granules.

The assortment is quite wide, it remains to add that it is not recommended to give wet food. A special canned meat mixture mixed with crushed biscuits is recommended to be given as a treat. These products contain the required amount of nutrients and minerals.

Feeding tips for miniature dogs

To maintain the health of a small dog, it is important to consider recommendations and advice on feeding and managing the animal’s diet:

1. It is advisable for miniature breeds to eat dry food daily. This is due to the fact that they often experience oral diseases: inflammation of the gums, unpleasant odor from the mouth, loose teeth, and excessive deposits of tartar. Diseases develop faster than in large individuals. Preference is given to holistic feeds; they do not contain dyes, preservatives, or by-products. Dry food reduces the risk of these diseases, but is not a panacea.
2. The diet should include wet food. Miniature dogs are prone to diseases of the urinary system; due to their size, the kidneys produce a small amount of urine, which contains a concentration of harmful inorganic substances. Wet food helps saturate the body with additional fluid and prevents the appearance of formations in the urinary system. It is not advisable to mix dry and wet food; it is better to offer them to the animal at different times.
3. Do not choose your own nutritional supplements for the animal and do not give food from your table. The advantage of ready-made dry food is its balance. The substances your dog needs are available in the right quantities. Homemade table food contains a lot of salt, fat, spices, and other substances harmful to the animal. A dog whose diet is based on dry food does not need additional biological additives. An excess of vitamins is more harmful than their deficiency.
4. Do not overfeed. Small individuals have a tendency to become obese. If you do not control the number of servings in the bowl, then over time the animal may become overweight. On packages of ready-made dry food there is a table on portion sizes and feeding frequency. Compliance with these standards will protect your dog from weight problems.

How to avoid obesity

Pugs are ready to eat everything that seems tasty to them. This eating behavior often leads to obesity, which leads to heart problems and early aging of the pet. To avoid obesity follow the rules:

1. Do not offer additional snacks to your pet;
2. Limit treats;
3. Carry out periodic weighing;
4. If the weight creeps up, contact your veterinarian for a diet prescription.

Photo: wikimedia.org

What vitamins are needed when feeding small breed dogs

If the dog’s diet consists of natural food, ready-made vitamin complexes will serve as an additional source of vitamins and minerals. There are many types of multivitamins and specialty vitamins on the pet market designed for small dog breeds.

The vitamin multicomplex solves the problem of vitamin deficiency in the body of an adult animal.

For example, Farmavit Active, Wolmar Winsome Pro Bio Booster Ca Mini or Galakan Champion. These nutritional supplements are developed for small breed dogs, are hypoallergenic, and do not cause side effects.

Breed lines, rating

Interesting!

The nutrient requirements of dogs
of different breeds differ in composition and quantity . This is determined by size, characteristics , energy needs , structure of the muzzle, and shape of the jaws.
To decide on the type of food for your pug, focus on the following parameters:

1. Health status
   . If your pet is healthy, use the diet for daily feeding. The veterinarian will give advice on feeding a dog that is sick or has physiological problems.
2. Age.
   Almost all brands produce food for puppies, teenagers, adults and older dogs. This information is on the packaging.
3. Lifestyle.
   Pugs lead an active lifestyle in the first year, then they like to lie down and sleep. But everything is individual. Choose breed food that matches your pet’s temperament: Activ or Normal. Light (light) is suitable for overweight animals.

The Royal Canin company has developed a series of dry food for pugs, which takes into account the structural features of the dog’s head and jaws: trefoil-shaped pieces are easy to grasp with a flat muzzle. Specialized food has been developed for adult dogs and puppies: Royal Canin-Pug Adult, Royal Canin-Pug Junior.

How to properly feed small breed dog puppies

When a puppy is just born, its digestive system is on its way to development; a diet of the right foods is the key to health for years to come. Newborn puppies can be supplemented with milk or a specialized formula. At the age of about 1-3 months, you need to feed puppies with natural food: lean meat, eggs, fish, porridge, fermented milk.

Protein should make up at least 70% of the diet. We add healthy fats and boiled vegetables to the rest of the diet. This menu may seem boring to humans, but puppies do not need a variety of foods.

Their gastrointestinal tract is just learning how to digest food, and preference is given to simple and healthy foods. The diet should not contain fatty, fried, sweet foods; they are prohibited for puppies and cause serious health and digestive problems.

What food is best to feed a pug up to a year?

Which food is best for pugs is determined experimentally by observing whether it gives an allergic reaction. The feeding rate is stated on the packaging. The pug may not like dry granules, so choose high quality, premium or super-premium food. For puppies that have not yet turned six months old, it is labeled as “Puppy”, the products of the “Junior” line are intended for pugs aged 6 months to a year.

The entire daily intake is divided by the number of feedings:

• up to 1 month, feed 6 times;
• from 1 to 3 months – 5 times;
• from 3 to 6 months – 4 times;
• at 6-7 months – 3 times;
• after 7 months they switch to two feedings a day.

The average dosage is 20 g of granules per 1 kg of weight. A prerequisite is round-the-clock availability of warm, clean water for pugs.

If your miniature dog has digestive problems due to food

A common reason for visiting a veterinarian is gastrointestinal problems. Not a single animal is safe from them.

The reasons for their appearance are usually similar: either a specific brand of ready-made dry or wet food is not suitable for the animal, or the owner decides to save money and buys cheap brands of food that have an unbalanced and even harmful composition.

The most common digestive disorders are:

• Diarrhea, constipation
• Allergies that cause a skin reaction
• Intolerance to components included in the finished feed
• Uncontrollable vomiting
• Poisoning

For each of these symptoms, the dog should be shown to a veterinarian to establish an accurate diagnosis and prescribe treatment. Self-medication or self-diagnosis is fraught with the emergence of new diseases. If you do not review your dog’s diet, then over time, minor problems with the gastrointestinal tract will lead to the development of chronic diseases of the internal organs.

The damage will mainly be caused to the stomach and liver, and various parts of the intestines.

To solve the problem, it is enough to change the brand of food, choosing a diet without harmful and poorly digestible components. A competent veterinarian can advise which food is best to introduce, based on the health of a particular dog. Change the food gradually; too sudden a change will cause severe digestive upset. The replacement should be made within a week, mixing the new type of food with the old one.

If a dog refuses to eat: reasons

A pug may not eat for a variety of reasons. For example, because he is spoiled. Then it’s enough to remove the bowl for a day; if after that he doesn’t eat, then you should worry.

Refusal to eat occurs against the background of infectious diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, and heat stroke. In any case, your pet should be shown to a veterinarian.

Important! If a dog is bitten by a tick, then lethargy and refusal to eat are signs of piroplasmosis, and you should urgently consult a doctor.

The appearance of an animal in the house is a joyful event. To prevent the issue of organizing your pet’s nutrition from becoming painful, it is better to familiarize yourself with all the intricacies before purchasing a pug.

Diet for a pregnant miniature dog

Pregnancy of a pet is an important moment; it is necessary to organize the correct diet for the animal. It is advisable to avoid sudden changes in diet; pregnancy is stressful for the pet and changing the diet can aggravate the pet’s condition. The main part of the menu should be animal proteins. An overweight towards fast carbohydrates and fats can cause excess weight.

It is better to choose premium dog food intended for pregnant females; they have a good composition and contain a balanced set of vitamins and minerals necessary for a pregnant animal. It is important to monitor the portions you consume. Excessive feeding can lead to excess weight gain; there is no need to feed your pet for two or three. Additional weight can weaken the dog’s labor and add increased stress to the internal organs.

In the first half of pregnancy, the animal is fed according to the usual schedule, maintaining the portion size that was before pregnancy. To avoid weight gain, small pets need to remain active, but remember - you should not overwork the animal during pregnancy. If it was decided to switch the animal to another food, then the best time for this is the first half of pregnancy. The transition is carried out smoothly, on average about 8-10 days. If the new food is not suitable for a particular pet, the return to the previous one should be gradual.

In the second half of pregnancy, active growth of puppies in the womb begins; if before this excess nutrition was spent on the pet’s excess weight, now all the excess will go to feed the fetuses. The animal’s body gives all its resources to its offspring. It is important to gradually increase the pet's diet; by the end of pregnancy, the bitch should receive about 30% more food than usual.

There are periods when the female’s appetite decreases or disappears. There is no need to force feed; when the dog feels better, it will begin to eat properly again. During this period, it is better to offer food often and in small portions. During pregnancy, the uterus puts a lot of pressure on the internal organs, and large portions of food will worsen the condition, and a lack of food will provoke the birth of weakened offspring.

Pugs nutrition rules

To keep your pug healthy and cheerful, you need to adhere to a number of rules:

• the optimal food temperature is room temperature;
• portions should correspond to the individual needs of the dog, but be such as to prevent excess weight gain;
• food should not be liquid;
• Tap water should not be given;
• milk should be given to help get rid of heartburn, which is typical for the breed;
• salt is added sparingly, it is better to put it not in meat or fish, but in vegetables;
• the meat component should be lean and make up at least 2/3 of the daily diet;
• Be sure to give raw poultry bones, as well as stewed vegetables.

Feeding pugs from the owner's table is fraught with illness for the dog, including its death.

Photo: Feeding pugs meat

If you feed your pet natural food, then you need to provide a varied and balanced menu. Pug needs meat: rabbit, beef, veal, chicken. It is given raw. Twice a week they give boiled fish.

Vegetables are carrots and eggplants, cabbage and greens. They are ground, stewed and mixed with the main dish. Corn and legumes are contraindicated. Cereals - rice, millet, buckwheat and rolled oats - are given with caution so that obesity does not develop.

You can give a little low-fat cottage cheese, yogurt, sugar-free yogurt, cheese. Eggs are offered either quail or chicken yolk. Fruits are given a little at a time.

Canned food can be given as an alternative or supplement to a natural diet.

List of products for a natural diet

In order to understand exactly what to feed your pug, it is recommended to study the list of products allowed for representatives of the breed.

1. Lean meat: turkey, beef, horse meat. Some owners feed their pets rabbit meat; it is dietary, easily digestible and does not cause an allergic reaction.
2. Cereals, which include rice and oatmeal. It is advisable to give preference to the first, because the second product can harm the animal’s intestines, irritating it. Everything is individual, how many dogs, so many reactions to oatmeal.
3. Vegetables: carrots, zucchini, pumpkin, beets, broccoli (in small quantities). Other representatives of the breed love to feast on cucumbers and tomatoes.
4. Fruits as a treat: apples, unsweetened pears, seasonal. The exceptions are grapes, banana, citrus fruits and kiwi.
5. Seasonal berries are produced rarely and in small quantities. Watermelon is approved as a diuretic.
6. Fermented milk products are kefir, fermented baked milk, cottage cheese, natural yogurt. The lower the fat percentage, the better for the dog. Ideally, fat content should not exceed 1.6%. Puppies should be given milk at 1-3 months of age.
7. Egg yolks - twice a week.
8. Sea fish, previously cleaned of bones.
9. By-products: heart, liver, kidneys - boiled.

The natural menu for the week is presented in the table. The diet is adjusted depending on the individual needs of the animal and the capabilities of the owner.

Day of the week	Morning	Evening
Monday.	Vegetable and beef stew.	Cottage cheese diluted with kefir.
Tuesday.	Rice porridge with olive oil (1 teaspoon).	Boiled beef heart.
Wednesday.	Boiled sea fish.	Oatmeal porridge with apple pieces.
Thursday.	The turkey is raw.	Stewed vegetables with rice.
Friday.	Boiled broccoli with chicken liver.	Cottage cheese with the addition of natural yoghurt.
Saturday.	Oatmeal with ground egg yolks.	Vegetable stew, raw beef.
Resurrection.	Fish with boiled rice.	Boiled fish.

A pug's natural diet should be balanced. It is quite difficult to do this on your own; it is recommended to consult a veterinarian for advice.