How Often Do I Feed A Pug Puppy?
If you have a new pug puppy in your life, then one of the most important aspects of caring for them is feeding them the right food in the right quantities and at the right times.
If you need to know how often do I feed a pug puppy? Then this article will help you understand how much a pug should eat. We have also provided some information about what to feed your pug.
How Much Should I Feed My Pug Puppy?
Pugs are known for their propensity to gain weight. So always make sure that you are feeding your pug puppy the correct amount of food for their body weight at each meal.
Buy the best quality puppy food that you can afford, to give them the best start in life. Or make your own, if you have time!
A Pug Feeding Chart
If you are unsure how much a pug puppy should eat, then a dog feeding chart can be a handy reference tool for you.
This chart bases the amount you feed based on a percentage of their body weight. This way you can always do a quick calculation of how much to feed your pug based on what stage they are at in their life cycle, regardless of gender.
Small puppies need more regular feeding than adult dogs, given that they have just been weaned from their mother’s milk.
Small Puppies, Aged 2 To 3 Months
- Feed 4 times per day
- Feed a quarter cup of kibble, OR 3 ounces of canned food OR 5 to 6 percent of their body weight of raw or home-cooked food
Older Puppies, Aged 4 To 6 Months
- Feed 3 times per day
- Feed a third of a cup of kibble, OR 4 ounces of canned food, OR 4 to 5 percent of their body weight of raw or home-cooked food
Young Adults, Aged 6 To 12 Months
- Feed twice daily
- Feed three-quarters of a cup of kibble, OR 9 ounces of canned food, OR 3 to 4 percent of their body weight of raw or home-cooked food
Adult Pug, Aged 1 To 8 Years
- Feed twice daily
- Feed half a cup of kibble, OR 6 ounces of canned food, OR 2 to 3 percent of their body weight of raw or home-cooked food
Senior Pug, Aged 8 Years Plus
- Feed twice daily
- Feed one-third of a cup of kibble, OR 4 ounces of canned food OR 2 percent of their body weight of raw or home-cooked food
As you can see from this feeding guide, young puppies need several smaller meals, while adult dogs only need two feeds per day. Puppyhood is when a dog lays down all of the good foundations for a healthy future, so you want to make sure that they are getting all of the best nutrition they need for optimal health.
What Should I Feed A Pug Puppy?
Generally, most dogs do well on a diet that is a combination of kibble and wet (canned) dog food. There are plenty of different flavors to choose from that will keep your pug interested. There are just a few tips to be aware of if you are going to feed a commercial diet.
- Avoid buying kibble that has corn as the grain. Dogs cannot digest corn.
- Pugs can have food-related skin allergies; if this turns out to be the case with your pug then there are many foods on the market to cater to this.
- Dogs are omnivorous, meaning that they need a combination of meat, vegetables, and grains in their diets. So look for this when buying their food.
Your other option is to make their meals yourself. If you have the time, then this is a good option. Choose from a combination of lean protein, such as chicken, some vegetables (dogs can safely eat green peas and carrots), and rice or pasta. You can cook up a big batch of this and then refrigerate or freeze it in batches.
Related Reading: The Best Food Bowl For Pugs: Regular Bowls Vs Slow-Feeders
Kibble and Wet Canned Food
Dogs that eat canned food only tend to have loose or runny stools. So if you choose to feed your pug commercial dog food, then a combination of kibble and wet canned food is best – you can either mix the two for each meal or change it up with kibble for the first meal of the day and wet food for the evening meal.
Pugs and Water
All dogs should have access to a constant supply of fresh and clean water. Do not limit this, and have several water bowls inside and outside that are kept in a cool spot. Their water should be refilled daily with clean water, and you should wash out their water bowl regularly to remove built-up slime.
On average, dogs should be drinking about one ounce of water for each pound of body weight per day.
Dogs drink more when it is hot, or sometimes if they are ill. They also sometimes drink less if they are ill. You will come to know what is normal for your dog.
A Word On Treats
Treats that are made just for dogs are fine in small amounts if they are used for training purposes and to reward good behavior. But avoid the temptation to give these treats regularly because they are high in calories and can lead to unwanted weight gain.
A Summary Of Pug Puppy Feeding
- Puppies need several smaller meals throughout the day, whilst adult dogs only need two meals a day.
- Use a feeding chart to ensure you are feeding the correct amount of food for your dog’s age and weight.
- It is up to you to decide if you will feed commercial dog food or homemade meals to your pug. If you choose commercial food, then offer a mixture of dry kibble and wet canned food.
- Dogs are omnivorous and they need more than just meat in their diets; they need vegetables and grains too. But avoid corn, because dogs cannot digest corn.
- Make sure your pug has access to fresh and clean water at all times.
- Dog treats are useful as training tools but do not rely on them as a regular food source because these calorie-dense foods will cause weight gain and possibly even obesity.
Related Reading: The Best Treats For Pug Puppies: The Most Wholesome Snacks For Your Most Beloved Friend!
Family Dog Expert Author
Hi there! I’m Stuart, a devoted dog lover and family dog expert with over a decade of experience working with our furry companions. My passion for dogs drives me to share my knowledge and expertise, helping families build strong, loving bonds with their four-legged friends. When I’m not writing for SirDoggie, you’ll find me hiking, playing with my beautiful dog, or studying music.