Ask any Pug owner: their dog would eat all day if allowed. Keeping a Pug at a healthy weight is one of the best things you can do for their breathing, joints, and lifespan.
Choosing and measuring food
- Feed a complete, balanced dog food appropriate for your Pug's age. Your vet can help you choose.
- Measure every meal with a real measuring cup. The amount on the bag is a starting point; adjust based on your Pug's body, not the bag.
- Most adult Pugs do well on two meals a day. Puppies eat more often.
- Change foods gradually over about a week to avoid an upset stomach.
Treats count
Treats add up fast for a small dog. Many vets suggest keeping treats to about 10% of daily calories. Break treats into tiny pieces, and try vet-approved low-calorie options like small pieces of green beans or carrots.
Is my Pug overweight?
- You should be able to feel the ribs easily without pressing hard.
- From above, there should be a slight waist behind the ribs.
- From the side, the belly should tuck up a little.
If you're not sure, ask your vet at the next visit. If your Pug needs to lose weight, ask for a plan. Slow, steady loss is safest.
Foods that are dangerous for dogs
Keep these away from your Pug:
- Chocolate, coffee, and caffeine
- Grapes and raisins
- Onions, garlic, and chives
- Xylitol, a sweetener found in some sugar-free gum, candy, baked goods, and peanut butters
- Alcohol
- Macadamia nuts
- Cooked bones, and fatty foods like ham or bacon trimmings
If your Pug eats something toxic, call your vet, an emergency vet, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 right away.
This guide is general information from Pug owners, not veterinary advice.
