5 Best Puppy Foods for Pugs (Reviews Updated 2022)

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Pug puppies are notoriously cute, with their wrinkly teddy bear faces and chubby little bodies.  You want to give him everything he asks for, but that doesn’t mean you should.  Your Pug puppy is prone to obesity, which can be dangerous for this small breed, so stick to a healthy diet from a young age.  And remember, not too many treats!  Pugs are also sensitive to certain additives, so stick to a premium brand made with high-quality protein and other ingredients to ensure he is getting everything he needs for optimal growth.

Best Puppy Food for Pugs

Here are our best puppy food for Pugs reviews.

1. Now Fresh Grain-Free Small Breed Puppy Food

Now Fresh Grain Free Small Breed Puppy Food

 

Now Fresh Grain-Free Small Breed Puppy Food is a premium recipe with fresh deboned turkey, salmon and duck.  This high-protein puppy food also has coconut oil to promote a healthy coat and skin, and many other fruits and vegetables for overall health and immunity.

  • Grain-free recipe for potential sensitivities
  • No rendered meats, gluten or by-product meals
  • DHA and EPA to support brain and retinal development

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2. Wellness Small Breed Puppy Complete Health

Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Small Breed Dog Food Small Breed Turkey & Oatmeal

This Wellness Natural Small Breed Puppy Food is a delicious blend of turkey, salmon and oatmeal that has everything your Pug puppy needs to thrive.  This recipe supports healthy muscle and bone health with high quality protein and optimal levels of calcium and phosphorous.

  • Supports brain development with DHA
  • Chicken is the first ingredient
  • Properly balanced carbs and fat for concentrated energy needs of small breeds

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3. Diamond Naturals Small Breed Puppy Food

Diamond Naturals Dog Food

Diamond Naturals Small Breed Puppy Food is a premium high-protein puppy food with real cage-free chicken as the first ingredient.  This recipe also has antioxidants from superfoods and additional fatty acids for your Pug’s coat and skin.

  • Small kibble is nutrient rich for puppies
  • Probiotics for easy digestion
  • Contains essential DHA for brain and eye development

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4. Bil-Jac Small Breed Puppy Recipe

Bil Jac Small Breed Puppy Recipe

 

Bil-Jac Small Breed Puppy Recipe is made with real chicken, oatmeal and yams for a nutritious meal with high-quality protein.  This recipe will support your Pug’s developing immune system with the essential amino acids Arginine and Methionine.

  • Unique small kibble shape for easy chewing
  • Slow cook process preserves nutrients
  • Real chicken is the first ingredient

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5. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Puppy

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Small Breed Dry Dog Food Product Image

This Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula is designed for small breed puppies like your Pug.  The delicious chicken and oatmeal recipe also contains added DHA and ARA — fatty acids found in mother’s milk for brain and eye development.

  • Contains deboned chicken, peas and superfoods fruits
  • No by-product meals, corn, wheat or soy
  • Puppy sized kibble for healthy teeth and easy consumption

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Puppy Food for Pugs Buyer’s Guide

Small breeds like Pug puppies have a short and intense growth period, so a high-quality, high-protein puppy food is important.  The food you choose needs to pack a lot into every little bite, since he needs many essential nutrients and vitamins in each meal.  Choose a puppy food designed for small breeds for the right balance of protein, fat, carbohydrates and fiber your Pug puppy needs.  While you may love his chubbiness, it is not healthy for Pugs to put on too much weight, as it can be hard on their joints, bones and cardiovascular system.  Pugs are notorious for wanting to snack all day long, so ensure you plan out his meals and snacks and stick to the schedule.  A kibble made for small breed puppies will be helpful too, especially in the early days, to help him pick up, chew and digest the food properly.

Our buying guide reviews the best puppy food for Pugs on the market so you can choose the right one for your dog.  The following are specific considerations you should make for your Pug when choosing the right food for your growing dog.

Essentials for Optimal Growth

Your Pug puppy needs a high-quality protein source with real meat as the first ingredient.  This will help fuel his energy and muscle development.  Probiotics and superfoods such as blueberries and kale will support your Pug’s growing immune and digestive systems, to help prevent any tummy troubles down the road.  Pug puppies also need vitamins and minerals to support developing eye and brain functions.  Look for adequate amounts of vitamin A, and the fatty acids DHA and ARA.  DHA is often sourced from a fish oil, such as salmon.

What to Avoid

Pugs can be sensitive to certain additives, such as the artificial preservatives BHA, BHT and TBHQ, so look for recipes with all-natural preservatives such as mixed tocopherols.  Also avoid artificial colors and flavors (such as MSG).  Some Pugs can develop sensitivities to soy, corn products and grains with gluten.  If you suspect a problem, try a grain-free recipe to rule out any potential triggers.

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