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Best Dog Food for Pugs 2024
Written by Ellie Roddy
Veterinary reviewed by:
Published: 02/29/2024, edited: 02/29/2024
The Wag! team conducts independent research and consults pet experts to curate our recommendations. This content is supported by our affiliate pet partners and we may receive a commission on the links provided.
When choosing the best dog food for Pugs it’s important to take into account their various health issues — as these can be helped or hindered by their diet.
Firstly, Pugs need fewer calories than larger breeds and aren’t that active, but do have a fast metabolism. To provide what they need without them putting on weight, they’ll benefit from food that’s rich in protein. It’s important to be aware that they’re prone to becoming overweight so, if they do, you may need to consider a weight management recipe.
This breed is also known to have allergies, so you may need to look for limited ingredient food that is free of common allergens, such as chicken.
It’s also important to note that they are a flat-faced breed with brachycephalic syndrome. As a result, they may have difficulty picking up food, swallowing it and are known to not chew it. This can cause them to be sick.
For this reason and of course, because they are a small breed with a small mouth, it’s important to choose food specifically formulated for smaller breeds. This will have smaller pieces of kibble that is easier for them to eat. You should also look for food that includes glucosamine and chondroitin to help with their possible joint issues.
There’s a lot to think about when choosing the right diet for your pup — so, what is the best dog food for Pugs?
Overview
Nom Nom
If your Pug needs a very specific diet for their various health conditions then Nom Nom is the perfect choice for you. Some pugs may also find this much easier to eat than the kibble.
What makes this food particularly good for pugs is that you’re recommended a meal plan based on their age, weight and any conditions. This will then be pre-portioned according to both the calories they need and their metabolism. So, you know your pup is getting exactly what they need at every stage of their life. You can be sure of this because it’s formulated by a Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist.
There are several tasty flavors to choose from, including beef, chicken, pork and turkey.
Nom Nom Dog Food
Why Wag! Loves It
- Gently cooked, human-grade ingredients
- Pre-portioned according to your dogs needs
- Prepared and delivered fresh to your door
Considerations & Concerns
- It’s premium dog food and so quite expensive
- Only four recipes to choose from
- Must be refrigerated or frozen
What pet parents say about Nom Nom
“My older dachshund has a sensitive stomach, so we need to be careful with her diet. This food absolutely fits the bill. It is people food, served for dogs! In fact, I have to keep it separate in the freezer because my husband thought it was frozen soup for the family. It is easy to defrost, I put it in a bowl of hot water for a few minutes. I feed half of the bag in the morning and half at night, it lasts fine in the fridge with just a clip attached. My dog obviously loves it and wolfs it down.”
“Product was well packaged. It was still frozen upon arrival. Shipping was fast. The food was fresh and smelled good. It was appealing in the package and looked almost good enough to eat. My dogs loved it. They could not get enough of it. I chose the chicken, but I think any flavor would have been a great hit. Another chewy product that went over and beyond my expectations.”
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from the Nom Nom website. Copyright NomNomNow Inc.
Wellness Small Breed Complete Health Puppy
Best dog food for Pug puppies
Wellness is the perfect option for your small breed puppy. It comes in delicious turkey, salmon and oatmeal flavor. The nutrient-rich food has everything your pup needs as they are developing.
Antioxidants support their immune systems, vitamins for healthy eyes and teeth, probiotics to aid digestive health and Omega fatty acids — including DHA — to ensure healthy skin and coat. Plus, the smaller kibble size is easy for them to eat.
Wellness also does small breed adult, senior and healthy weight recipes. Plus, you’ll find wet food in this range which can be used to complement the dry food, especially if your pup has trouble with their kibble. In this range is Simple Limited Ingredient Diet, ideal if your pup has food allergies.
Wellness Dog Food
Why Wag! Loves It
- Real meat is the first ingredient
- Added taurine to support your pups heart health
- No meat by-products, fillers or artificial preservatives
Considerations & Concerns
- This brand has been recalled in the past with the most recent in 2017
- Only one flavor available for small breed puppies
- Slightly more expensive than some other dry food
What pet parents say about Wellness Small Breed Complete Health Puppy
“Have had (my) puppy on this food since coming home. Absolutely loves it, let her free feed on it throughout the day and only take it away when it’s time for daily wet food of (the) same brand. Has kept (my) puppy with many sensitivities, very healthy, and she (small dog) goes through a small bowl a day. Maintains her weight well, and has helped teach food control. Highly recommend this kibble, and this brand.”
Read more reviews on Chewy.
“My dog has been eating these for years and he really likes it. The ingredients are better than other popular brands, albeit a little bit more expensive to buy. I would say it's worth it though! Perfect for small breed pups because the kibble is small and triangle shaped which should be a little easier for our pals to chew, in addition to providing needed nutrients.”
Read more reviews on Petco.
Image from Chewy. Copyright Wellness Pet Company.
Merrick Healthy Grains Senior Recipe
Vet recommended
This senior recipe from Merrick is suitable for all breeds, including small, so ideal for senior Pugs. You don’t have to worry about the size of the kibble; it’s actually on the smaller size, with some pet parents feeling it’s too small for larger breeds.
Alongside high-quality protein, this food features Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. Plus, a unique blend of ancient grains such as oatmeal and quinoa for optimal digestion.
It’s worth noting though that Pugs can be prone to allergies, one of which can be grains. If this is the case, there is a grain-free option available.
This is one of the best foods for seniors and among the best dry dog food for Pugs. But, you don’t just have to take our word for it, it’s approved by vets. “Merrick products are made with high-quality, whole food ingredients, and they use no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.” says Dr. Georgia Jeremiah, pet nutrition expert and one of Wag!’s veterinary consultants.
Merrick Dog Food
Why Wag! Loves It
- Real meat is the first ingredient
- Whole grains to aid healthy digestion
- Glucosamine and chondroitin for hip and joint support
- Recommended by Dr. Georgia Jeremiah
Considerations & Concerns
- Pugs can be allergic to poultry and this is the only flavor
- Some dogs will refuse to eat this food
- It’s not the most budget-friendly option
What pet parents say about Merrick Healthy Grains Senior Recipe
“I am very impressed with the ingredients in this dog food, having natural ingredients is better for your pet’s health and well being. I was happy to see that the kibble was small in size as I have a pug so it’s easier for her to chew. I was not overwhelmed by the smell as it was very pleasant, unlike some other brands. I was happy to receive the senior recipe because it has glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints. My pug is eight years old now so she needs the extra help for her hips and joints. My dog dug in right away and enjoyed the taste, she can be a bit picky. I will definitely buy this brand for her and recommend it to all my pet friends.”
Read more reviews on Petco.
“Bagel has some allergies so I've been careful with the food he gets. He loves this food. His skin and coat are super healthy, and he still has plenty of energy. He was paralyzed due to a herniated disk in his neck, had surgery to correct it, and I was glad that this food offered the glucosamine and chondroitin to help his joints. The neurologist who operated on him said he was a healthy, strong dog. He is and I do think that what he eats has a lot to do with it.”
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from the Chewy website. Copyright Merrick Pet Care.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed
Vet recommended
This dry food has increased protein and carbohydrates to meet the energy needs of smaller dogs. Alongside this are vitamins, minerals and antioxidants for immune system health as well as Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to support healthy skin and coat.
As well as this food being formulated for adults, there’s also options in this Blue Buffalo range specifically formulated for puppies and seniors. Plus, there’s a healthy weight formula, which you may need for your Pug as they can become overweight.
As well as chicken, the adult also comes in lamb and there is a grain-free option available, if required. If you want to serve your pup wet food alongside the dry food then there are four tasty flavors to choose from for adults too.
This brand is even approved by Dr. Georgia Jeremiah. “Blue Buffalo dog food products cater to different life stages, sizes, and breeds of dogs. They offer formulations containing limited ingredients, which may be beneficial for dogs with certain dietary sensitivities.”
Blue Buffalo Dog Food
Why Wag! Loves It
- Real meat is the first ingredient
- Specifically formulated for smaller breeds
- Glucosamine for joint health and mobility
- Recommended by Dr. Georgia Jeremiah, Wag!'s pet nutrition expert and veterinary consultant
Considerations & Concerns
- Only a few flavors to choose from
- Some fussy eaters won’t like it
- Dogs have been known to experience diarrhea from this food
What pet parents say about Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed
“My 7 1/2 year old pug (Hazel) has been eating Blue Buffalo Chicken and Brown Rice for all of her adult life. The food is perfect pug bites. Great for small breeds which it is designed for. Good healthy ingredients.”
“I recently switched my 16 pound Chug (half Chihuahua/half Pug) to Blue Buffalo Life Protection small breed formula, and he has become so much more energetic and his coat is so much shinier and healthier. It’s amazing to me how much the great variety of healthy ingredients in this food has so quickly improved my little guy for the better! Plus, he doesn’t struggle to eat the small kibble like he’s done in the past with other dog foods. We love this food and, of course, Chewy!”
Read more reviews on Chewy.Image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Blue Buffalo Company Ltd.
FAQ
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