Pugs are adorable, squish-faced little dogs with unique personalities to match their looks. They have quickly become a favorite breed amongst pet owners all around the globe. While having one of these quirky pups is sure to bring pleasure to your day in, and day out, you want to make sure that they are eating the best food possible.
The best dog food for pugs will give them the energy that their bodies need, low calories, so they do not gain weight rapidly and makes sure that they are absorbing the essential nutrients that their bodies need to be happy and healthy. With how many dog food options there are available it can get tricky picking out the right one your pug needs. Look no further as our list gives you a variety of different dog foods to pick one from, each benefiting the overall health of your beloved pug.
Best Dog Food for Pugs
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When looking for the best food for pugs why not chose Royal Canin Pug Adult Food as it caters specifically to the Pug breed.
Key Features:
- Fits the health needs of purebred pugs
- Easy to eat kibble shape
- Weight controlled portions stated on bag
Pugs need a specific diet that best caters to their unique body type. Because of their wrinkles, they need a diet that will strengthen their skin and provide essential nutrients that their wrinkly skin needs.
While small they are muscular, so Royal Canin provides enough protein that will give them the healthy calories boost, without risking weight gain that they need.
Pugs are well-known for their small, squished faces, which can make eating regular dry food a hassle. Royal Canin’s bites are specially made to be easily picked up by your pug so they can eat comfortably and satisfy their tummies.
Pros:
- Maintains muscle tone
- Helps with dental health
- Gives pugs the energy they need
Cons:
- Can only be fed when a pug is ten months or older
- Contains grains so not ideal for dogs with grain allergies
Your pug will fully benefit from Royal Canin Pug Adult Food to make sure that they are happy and healthy throughout their lifetime.
Wellness Complete Small Dog Food Formula is specifically made to support the needs of small dogs like pugs.
Key Features:
- Comes in six flavors
- Comes in 4lb and 12lb bags
- Promotes a healthy body inside and out
Pugs may have little bodies, but they deserve a diet that will fully benefit them. Wellness Complete uses a mix of high-quality animal proteins, fruits, vegetables, and grains to provide Pugs with the essential nutrients that they need.
Each portion is formulated to ensure that your Pug will get the calories and energy content that they need without risking them getting overweight. Not only that, but they will get an optimal blend of fine fibers and probiotics that will promote an ideal digestive system and better poops.
An ideal level of Omega Fatty acids makes sure that your pup will have a healthy skin and coat, which is essential for the wrinkly skin of a pug.
Pros:
- Animal protein the first ingredient
- Provides essential fatty acids
- Gives essential nutrients
Cons:
- Contains barley so not ideal for dogs with grain allergies
You want to avoid giving small breed dogs a diet that will harm their body more than help, and Wellness Complete Small Dog Food Formula.
3. Blue Buffalo Small Breed Dog Food
Blue Buffalo Small Breed Dog Food
Free shipping
Features
- REAL MEAT FIRST: Blue Buffalo foods always feature real meat as the first ingredient. High-quality protein from real chicken helps your dog build and maintain healthy muscles. Plus they contain wholesome whole grains, garden veggies and fruit.
- WEIGHT MANAGEMENT DOG FOOD: Formulated with reduced calories from fat to help small breed dogs achieve and maintain healthy weight, BLUE Life Protection Formula Small Breed Healthy Weight dry dog food also contains increased levels of protein to help meet higher energy needs.
- WITH LIFESOURCE BITS: This formula contains BLUE’s exclusive LifeSource Bits – a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals carefully selected by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists, to support immune system health, life stage requirements, and a healthy oxidative balance.
- A NATURAL DOG FOOD: BLUE dog foods are made with the finest natural ingredients enhanced with vitamins and minerals. BLUE contains NO chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives.
- Contains one (1) 15 lb. Bag of BLUE Life Protection Formula Healthy Weight Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice
It is no secret that Pugs tend to gain weight rather quickly, so, to prevent that from occurring in your pug, feed them Blue Buffalo Small Breed Healthy Weight.
Key Features:
- Made specifically to control weight in small dogs
- Made with wholesome ingredients
- Available in 6lb and 15lb options
Pugs need a higher calorie count since their bodies burn calories faster, but they cannot have an overwhelming amount as they can gain weight rather than maintain it. Blue Buffalo Healthy Weight Formulas uses lean animal proteins, so your Pug gets the animal proteins their bodies need while controlling their weight.
Not only that, but the Blue Life Protection Formula boosts your dog’s immune system, can be fed at all life stages and provides a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that dogs need to have strong and healthy bodies.
Pros:
- Contains no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
- Contains no corn, wheat, or soy products
- Has Blue Life Protection Formula
Cons:
- Contains grains so not fit for dogs with grain allergies
When you start to feed your Pug Blue Buffalo Small Breed Healthy Weight, you will see a significant improvement in their overall health, especially their weight.
4. Taste of the Wild Grain Free Dry Dog Food
Taste of the Wild Grain Free Dry Dog Food
Free shipping
Features
- A taste of the wild with REAL VENISON as the #1 ingredient; optimal amino acid profile, protein rich for LEAN, STRONG MUSCLES
- High protein ingredients with added vitamins & minerals; fruits and vegetables as SUPERFOODS for hard-working ANTIOXIDANTS; fatty acid blend for SKIN & COAT
- Ingredients From Trusted, Sustainable Sources Around The World; Made With No Grain, Corn, Wheat, Filler; No Artificial Flavors, Colors, Preservatives Added
- Nutrient rich and HIGHLY DIGESTIBLE with guaranteed species specific, PROPRIETARY PROBIOTICS that survive and thrive in the GI tract
- MADE in the USA; FAMILY OWNED & run; food made with scientifically advanced food safety protocols; We’d appreciate your CALL 800.342.4808
Taste of the Wild Small Breed Formula uses venison as its main animal protein, which is easy to digest and an optimal protein source for small dogs.
Key Features:
- Ideal for small breeds
- Species-Specific Probiotics
- Has essential antioxidants
Taste of the Wild’s Small Breed Formula is rich in proteins and fats so that small dogs can have the ideal energy source that will keep them active and happy.
Venison is one of the best animal proteins for your dog to eat as it is one of the least likely to cause allergies, is easy to digest and is lean meat, which Pugs need to avoid excess weight gain. To provide the Probiotics that small dogs need, Taste of the Wild adds 80 million live, active cultures that help support healthy digestive and immune systems.
To further maintain digestive health, garbanzo beans, and dried chicory root give your Pug the fiber their bodies need.
Pros:
- Easy to east kibble size
- Has no grains
- Antioxidant-rich
Cons:
- Contains a high ratio of added vitamins instead of natural ones
Cater to your Pug’s special bodily needs all in the handy dog food formula that Taste of the Wild Small Breed Formula offers.
5. Nutrisource Grain Free Dog Food
Nutrisource Grain Free Dog Food
Features
- Balanced Omega 3 And 6 Fatty Acids
- Designed For Small Breeds
- Made In The Usa
When looking for the best food for pug puppies, nothing can beat the small bites of NutriSource Small Breed Formula.
Key Features:
- Grain-free
- Potato-free
- Good for all life stages
- Easy to eat small bites
NutriSource is packed full of all the essential nutrients tailored explicitly for small breed dogs. Not only are the bites easy for a Pug to eat, but they have a high protein source thanks to the high-quality chicken being the first ingredient.
By eating NutriSource, your Pug will have better digestive health, better mental health, and a stronger immune system. Best of all, it can control any foul odors that may come out of your Pug from both ends.
Start feeding NutriSource to your Pug at an early age and keep feeding this formula to them as you will not have the change the formula as your Pug ages. And it is such a high-quality dry food you can switch between flavors with little risk of upsetting your dog’s stomach.
Pros:
- Promotes healthy skin and coat
- Has all the essential nutrients for small dogs
- Comes in 5lb and 15lb bag options
Cons:
- Contains chicken so not ideal for pugs with poultry allergies
Your Pug’s little tail will not stop wagging, and you may need to mop up some drool after when you feed them NutriSource Small Breed Formula as it is one of the best dog foods available for pugs.
6. Purina Pro Plan Dry Dog Food
Purina Pro Plan Dry Dog Food
$47.98 in stock
Features
- One (1) 34 lb. Bag – Purina Pro Plan FOCUS Weight Management Large Breed Formula Adult Dry Dog Food
- High-quality protein, including chicken as the #1 ingredient
- 15% less fat than Pro Plan Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula for Adult Dogs
- EPA, an omega-3 fatty acid, and glucosamine help to support joint health and mobility
- Natural prebiotic fiber, sourced from wheat bran, helps promote digestive health
Pugs have it a little bit easier than us with having a weight control diet when feeding them Purina Pro Weight Management.
Key Features:
- Real animal protein is the first ingredient
- Has 25% less fat than standard formula
- Comes in puppy, adult, and senior variations
If your Pug needs to maintain their weight do not sacrifice flavor for results; your Pug can still enjoy a tasty meal and keep off those excess pounds.
Purina’s Weight Loss formula contains less fat than the standard recipes since it uses leaner chicken as the first ingredient. Even though the animal protein is lean, it will still promote strong and lean muscles so your Pug will not lose energy fast.
While this recipe does contain grains, the grains are all-natural and provide dogs with an optimal fiber source that helps regulate their stomachs and maintain a healthy digestive system.
Pros:
- Natural fiber source
- Promotes healthy skin and coat
- Specified to help reduce and maintain weight
Cons:
- Contains grains so not ideal for dogs with stomach sensitivities or allergies
Never hear someone body shame your Pug again when they eat Purina Pro Weight Management.
7. Diamond Naturals Dry Dog Food
Diamond Naturals Dry Dog Food
$25.99 in stock
Free shipping
Features
- HIGH quality PROTEIN made with real CAGE FREE chicken, specially made for a SMALL BREED DOG; optimal amino acid profile for LEAN, STRONG MUSCLES
- Premium ingredients with added vitamins & minerals; fruits and vegetables as SUPERFOODS for hard-working ANTIOXIDANTS; fatty acid blend for SKIN & COAT
- Nutrient rich and HIGHLY DIGESTIBLE with PROPRIETARY PROBIOTICS that survive and thrive in the GI tract; at guaranteed levels
- FAMILY OWNED & run, MADE in the USA choosing ingredients from TRUSTED, SUSTAINABLE sources around the world; Call with questions 800 442 0402
- NO corn, wheat, filler; NO ARTIFICIAL flavors, colors, or preservatives added; Made with scientifically advanced food safety protocols
For a high-quality dog food that is sure to keep your Pug in top shape feed them Diamond Naturals Small Breed Formula.
Key Features:
- Animal protein first ingredient
- Small kibble sizes
- Has a healthy blend of fruits and vegetables
Chicken is the primary ingredient of this size specific formula as it is easy to digest and comfortable on a small pup’s stomach. The 27% protein and 16% fat ratio provides small dogs, like Pugs, with the nutrients necessary for them to have a happy and active lifestyle.
Do not be thrown off by Diamond Naturals using grains in their dog food as they are wholesome and naturally obtained to ensure your Pug is getting the optimal fiber source that they need.
Pros:
- Contains optimal source of fiber
- High protein source
- Contain live, helpful microorganisms
Cons:
- Contains barley, so not ideal for dogs with grain allergies
Diamond Naturals Small Breed Formula is sure to provide your Pug with all of the essential nutrients that they need in easy to eat kibble sizes.
8. Merrick Lil Plates Small Breed Recipe
Merrick Lil Plates Small Breed Recipe
Free shipping
Features
- #1 Ingredient Is Real Deboned Beef
- Recipe Provides Grain-Free Nutrition With No Gluten Ingredients For Easier Digestibility, Includes Omega Fatty Acids For Healthy Skin And Coat And Contains Probiotics And Prebiotic Fiber For Optimal Digestion.
- Poultry-Free Recipe For Dogs With Sensitivities To Poultry Ingredients
- Small, Crunchy Kibble Bites To Help Clean Teeth.Calorie content:3,663 kcal/kg or 403 kcal/cup ME (metabolizable energy) on an as-fed basis (calculated)
- Cooked In The Usa.
Merrick Lil Plates Small Breed Formula is specially designed to cater to the pallet and bodily needs small dogs need.
Key Features:
- Real animal protein the first ingredient
- Contains real whole foods
- Comes in four flavors
Merrick Lil Plates has small, bite-sized kibbles that are perfect for Pugs to be able to scoop up in their mouths and eat happily. All of the ingredients are grown and sourced in the USA to ensure that dogs only eat the highest quality of ingredients with the most nutritional content possible.
A healthy blend of fruits, vegetables, and added vitamins helps your Pug to have the healthiest and strongest body possible with no extra effort on your part.
Pros:
- Corn, wheat, grain, and soy free
- Made in the USA
- Comes in 4lb, 12lb, and 20lb bag options
Cons:
- Some formulas contain chicken fat, so not ideal for dogs with poultry allergies
Once your Pug tastes the delectable taste of Merrick Lil Plates Small Breed Formula, they will not want to eat anything else.
9. Cesar Small Breed Dry Dog Food
Cesar Small Breed Dry Dog Food
Free shipping
Features
- Contains one (1) 12-lb. bag of CESAR Filet Mignon Flavor With Spring Vegetables Dry Dog Food
- CESAR Dry Dog Food is made with real beef as the first ingredient for a taste dogs love
- This gourmet dog food is specially crafted with 26 nutrients that small breed dogs need
- Your adult dog will adore the tender, meaty chunks in this delicious kibble for dogs
- CESAR Dry Dog food has a re-sealable zipper on every bag to help maintain freshness
Your Pug will feel like you are pampering them when you treat them to the Cesar Small Breed Dog Food.
Key Features:
- Specially formulated for small dogs
- Easy to eat kibble sizes
- Nutritious meal guaranteed
Cesar uses only the highest quality ingredients in their dog foods. Your Pug will feel like they are eating at a fancy dinner at each meal. But compared to elaborate meals, this dog food will provide your pug with all of the quality nutritional needs that their small bodies need.
Grains are used in this dog food, but they are used as a fiber source rather than as a filler ingredient. But when you look past the grains, this is still a top quality, nutritious dog food.
Pros:
- Optimal calorie content for small dogs
- Good for all life stages
- AAFCO certified
Cons:
- Contains grains so not ideal for dogs with grain allergies
While you are having your fancy dinner, your Pug will be as well when they chow down on Cesar Small Breed Dog Food.
10. CANIDAE PURE Dry Dog Food
CANIDAE PURE Dry Dog Food
Free shipping
Features
- 10 INGREDIENTS or LESS: Limited ingredients crafted from 7-10 real foods in each bag of dog food, giving your good boys and girls everything they need and nothing they don’t.
- GRAIN FREE FOR DOGS WITH SENSITIVE STOMACHS: There’s nothing questionable in a bowl of Canidae PURE. Never any wheat, corn, or soy.
- HEALTHPLUS IN EVERY BITE: Probiotics added to every kibble after cooking to support healthy digestion, antioxidants to support a healthy immune system, and omega 6 & 3 fatty acids to support beautiful skin and coat.
- FLAVORS & TYPES: With 6 different proteins (Salmon, Lamb, Duck, Boar, Bison Chicken), and formulations for all life stages and sizes (Puppy, Adult, Senior, Small Breed), there’s a Canidae PURE product your dog will love.
- WE MAKE PET FOOD SIMPLE: Canidae PURE Limited Ingredient Diet dog food uses simple, whole-food recipes made right here in our Texas facility. Because pet food shouldn’t be complicated.
If you are looking for a limited ingredient diet that is still an optimal nutrient source for your growing Pug, then they need Canidae Pure Dog Food.
Key Features:
- Limited ingredient diet
- Small kibble size
- Ideal even for picky eaters
Pugs are prone to developing food allergies, so to make it easier both on you and them to prevent any annoying flare-ups Canidae is there to help.
Limited ingredients are used to be sure no allergic reactions occur, and they even go far and beyond to not use any wheat, grains, or corns in their formula. All of the ingredients are guaranteed to provide your Pug with the nutritional content that their little bodies need.
Better yet, if your Pug happens to be a picky eater they should have a better, and more eager, time eating Canidae due to its irresistible flavors.
Pros:
- Wholesome ingredients used
- Specifically made for small dogs
- The optimal formula for dogs with allergies or stomach sensitivities
Cons:
- Meant only for adult dogs
By turning to Canidae Pure Dog Food not only will your dog have a healthy body, but you will also prevent any reactions or flare-ups if your dog is known for having food allergies.
Bottom Line
You should have a better idea now on what types of dog foods can be considered ideal pug food. The main concern you should have is the quality of ingredients used in the food as that is where your dog will be absorbing all of its nutrients. It is okay for some dog foods to have grains and still be considered one of the best foods for pugs, but you have to be sure that all the grains are wholesome and are not the first ingredient on the list.
As long as an animal protein is the first ingredient on the list as dogs need a high animal protein source to strive. You also need to be sure of the calorie content in the dog food you are considering since pugs do tend to gain weight rapidly due to a low activity level. When you find the right balanced dog food, then you will have a happy, healthy pug for many years to come.
The Review
Best Dog Food for Pugs
If you're looking for a reliable and effective dog food brand for your dogs, check out our review of the best dog food for pugs now!
Review Breakdown
- Royal Canin Breed Pug Dry Dog Food
- Taste of the Wild Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- Nutrisource Grain Free Dog Food
- Purina Pro Plan Dry Dog Food
- Diamond Naturals Dry Dog Food
- Merrick Lil Plates Small Breed Recipe
- Cesar Small Breed Dry Dog Food
- CANIDAE PURE Dry Dog Food
Best Dog Food for Pugs DEALS
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