Pug Nutrition: Feeding for Health

Why Nutrition Matters

Pugs are prone to obesity, allergies, and sensitive digestion, so feeding them the right food in the right amounts is essential for a long, healthy life.

How Much Should a Pug Eat?

A healthy adult Pug typically weighs 6.5–8.5 kg (14–18 lbs). Their daily calorie needs depend on age, activity level, and whether they’re neutered:

Puppy (under 1 yr) 110–130 kcal/kg (per KG of body weight)

Adult (active) 80–100 kcal/kg (per KG of body weight)

Adult (neutered/less active) 70–80 kcal/kg (per KG of body weight)

Senior 60–70 kcal/kg (per KG of body weight)

> Always adjust based on your vet’s advice and your Pug’s body condition.

What Should You Feed a Pug?

Ideal Food Qualities

  • High-quality protein: Chicken, turkey, salmon, or lamb

  • Healthy fats: Omega-3s for skin and coat

  • Digestible carbs: Brown rice, oats, sweet potato

  • No fillers: Avoid corn, soy, wheat, and artificial additives

Feeding Schedule

  • Puppies (8–12 weeks): 4 small meals/day

  • 3–6 months: 3 meals/day

  • 6+ months: 2 meals/day

  • No free feeding: Stick to scheduled mealtimes to prevent overeating

Treats & Snacks

  • Treats should be <10% of daily calories

  • Healthy options: carrot sticks, apple slices (no seeds), green beans

  • Avoid: chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, xylitol (toxic!)

Recommended Products

  • Slow-feeder bowl: Prevents gulping and bloating

  • Measuring scoop or kitchen scale: For accurate portions

  • Dental chews: Support oral health

  • Weight-control kibble: If your Pug is prone to gaining weight

Exercise & Activities for Pugs

Why It’s Important

Pugs are naturally low-energy but still need daily movement to stay fit, prevent obesity, and support joint and mental health.

Daily Exercise Guidelines

Puppy (8–12 wks), 5–10 min, 2x/day, gentle play, no forced walks

3–6 months, 10–15 min, 2x/day, add short walks

6+ months (adult), 20–30 min/day, split into 2 sessions

Senior Pugs, 10–20 min/day, adjust for mobility

> Avoid exercise in hot weather—Pugs overheat easily due to their flat faces.

Fun, Safe Activities

  • Short walks: Early morning or evening

  • Indoor games: Tug, fetch, hide-and-seek

  • Puzzle toys: Mental stimulation

  • Snuffle mats: Encourage natural foraging

  • Hydrotherapy: Great for joints and weight loss

Exercise Cautions

  • Avoid stairs and jumping from heights (risk of joint injury)

  • Watch for signs of overheating: panting, drooling, slowing down

  • Use a harness, not a collar, to protect their airway

Final Thoughts

Feeding and exercising a Pug isn’t just about routine—it’s about protecting their health and happiness. With the right diet, portion control, and gentle daily activity, your Pug can thrive at every stage of life.

When it comes to nutrition, you can’t go wrong with a company called Butternut Box. Take a look at the link on the left to read about their story and their process. Human grade food and the perfect balanced meals.

Theres a 60% discount off your first box with the link.

I do tend to believe the feeding bowl can be almost as important as the food in it, and to the right is the Fluff Trough. This is a fantastic bowl for pugs, the perfect height, and comes with a standard silicone insert, or the slow feeder style as the picture displays. There is also a steel water bowl option!