Pug Feeding Guidelines

Pug Feeding Guidelines

Some things to bear in mind with regard to your Pug's feeding regimen follow:  

1.   Nutritional balance, provided by many commercial dog foods, is vital; avoid feeding a one-sided all-meat diet.  Variety in the kinds of meet (beef, lamb, chicken, liver) or cereal grains (wheat, oats, corn) that you offer your Pug is of secondary importance compared to the balance or “completeness” of dietary components. 

2.   Always refrigerate opened canned food so that it doesn’t spoil.  Remember to remove all uneaten portions of canned or moistened food from the feeding dish as soon as your Pug has finished his meal.  Discard the leftover food immediately and thoroughly wash and dry the feeding dish, as a dirty dish is a breeding ground for harmful germs. 

3.   When offering dry foods, always keep a supply of water on hand for your Pug.  Water should be made available at all times, even if dry foods are not left out for self-feeding.  Each day the water dish should be washed with soap and water, rinsed well, and dried; a refill of clean, fresh water should be provided daily. 

4.   Food and water should be served at room temperature, neither too hot nor too cold, so that it is more palatable for your Pug. 

5.   Serve your Pug’s meal in sturdy hard-plastic, stainless steel, or earthenware containers, ones that won’t tip over as the Pug gulps his food down. Some bowls and dishes are weighed to prevent spillage, while others fit neatly into holders which offer support. Feeding dishes should be large enough to hold each meal. 

6.   Whenever the nutritional needs of your Pug change, such as when he becomes ill, obese, or pregnant (if your Pug is female), special diets are in order.  Always contact your vet for advice on these special dietary requirements. 

7.   Feed your Pug at the same intervals every day so that he will get used to his daily routine and develop good eating habits.  Reserve treats for special occasions or, perhaps, to reward good behavior during training sessions. 

8.   Hard foods, such as s biscuits and dog meal, should be offered regularly.  Chewing on these hard, dry morsels helps your Pug keep his teeth clean and his gums conditioned. 

9.   Never overfeed your dog.   If given the chance, he will accept and relish every in between-meal tidbit your offer him.  This pampering will only put extra weight on your Pug and cause him to be unhealthy in the long run. 

10. Do not encourage your Pug to beg for food from the table while your are eating your meals. 

11. Food can be effectively used by the owner to train your Pug.  Doggie treats are practical and often nutritional, choose your chew treats selectively. 

12. Never accustom your Pug to eating human “junk food”.  Cake, candy, chocolate, soda, and other snack foods are for people, not your Pug.  Besides, these foods provide only “empty” calories that your Pug doesn’t need if he is to stay healthy. 

13.  Avoid offering spicy, fried, fatty, or starchy foods; rather, offer leftover meats, vegetables, and gravies.  Get in the habit of feeding your Pug his own daily meals of dog food.