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10 Best Dog Foods for Pugs – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

Nicole Cosgrove Profile Picture

By Nicole Cosgrove

Pug Eating

Caring for a Pug means prioritizing their nutritional needs. Their energetic personalities, along with some breed-specific health concerns, make choosing the right diet crucial. It’s essential to consider factors like their age, health status, and lifestyle when selecting the best food.

To make your task easier, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 best dog foods for Pugs, each providing unique benefits to cater to your dog’s unique needs. Our aim is to guide you in providing your Pug with a well-balanced and nutritious diet.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites (2024 Update)

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
The Farmer’s Dog Chicken Recipe Food Bowl The Farmer’s Dog Chicken Recipe Food Bowl
  • Made from human-grade meat and veggies
  • Freshly made and delivered to your door
  • Developed by vets, meeting high nutritional standards
  • Budget Buy
    Second place
    Purina Pro Plan Adult Small Breed Purina Pro Plan Adult Small Breed
  • High in protein to maintain lean muscle
  • Formulated specifically for small and toy breeds
  • Calcium and phosphorus for strong bones and teeth
  • Third place
    The Honest Kitchen Grain Free Chicken The Honest Kitchen Grain Free Chicken
  • Made with wholesome non-GMO ingredients
  • High safety standards in manufacturing
  • The company prioritizes social and environmental initiatives
  • Best for Puppies
    Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Blue Buffalo Baby Blue
  • Supports proper muscle growth and strong bones
  • Includes DHA and ARA for brain and eye development
  • Features LifeSource Bits for healthy immune system support
  • Nulo Frontrunner Ancient Grains Nulo Frontrunner Ancient Grains
  • High in animal-based protein
  • Contains Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids
  • Includes probiotics for digestion and immunity
  • The 10 Best Dog Foods for Pugs

    1. The Farmer’s Dog Chicken Recipe Food Bowl – Best Overall

    Gizmo fluffy white dog with The Farmer's Dog fresh food box_Kate

    Main ingredients: Whole beef, turkey, pork, and chicken; beef and chicken liver, carrots, green beans, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, chickpeas, sweet potatoes, lentils
    Protein content: 11.5% min
    Fat content: 8.5% min
    Calories: 1,300 kcal/kg

    Providing a healthier alternative to kibble, The Farmer’s Dog offers a unique experience for your Pug. Their chicken recipe food bowl is packed with real, human-grade meat and vegetables that exceed industry standards, which means you’re giving your dog nutrition that’s equivalent to what you’d serve yourself.

    This freshly made dog food is prepared in USDA-approved kitchens, maintaining whole food and nutritional integrity. One of the standout features of this product is its delivery model. The Farmer’s Dog bypasses traditional retail and sends their freshly prepared food directly to your door.

    The food is never deep-frozen or left on a shelf, keeping it as fresh as possible. However, this level of quality and convenience comes with a higher price tag. While your Pug might love this food and thrive on it, you’ll have to decide if it fits your budget.

    Pros
    • Made from human-grade meat and veggies
    • Freshly made and delivered to your door
    • Developed by vets, meeting high nutritional standards
    • Customized meal plans based on your dog’s needs
    Cons
    • Premium price might not fit all budgets

    2. Purina Pro Plan Adult Small Breed Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food – Budget Buy

    Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Chicken & Rice Dry Dog Food

    Main ingredients: Chicken, rice, corn gluten meal, poultry by-product meal, whole grain corn
    Protein content: 29.0% min
    Fat content: 17.0% min
    Calories: 4,012 kcal/kg, 448 kcal/cup

    Specifically crafted to meet the needs of small breeds, Purina Pro Plan offers a nutrient-dense formula to fuel the high activity levels of compact canine companions. With chicken as the primary ingredient, this dog food delivers high-quality protein to help maintain lean muscle mass, ensuring your Pug remains energetic and active.

    An excellent addition to this dog food is the calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals which support strong bones and teeth, a necessary factor for Pugs given their potential for dental issues.

    Additionally, the food includes a natural prebiotic fiber sourced from wheat bran to aid in promoting digestive health, as well as guaranteed live probiotics for further digestive and immune support.

    Although Purina Pro Plan Chicken & Rice Formula is nutrient-rich and formulated for small breed needs, keep in mind that the primary source of fiber is wheat bran, which may not be suitable for dogs with grain sensitivities or allergies.

    Pros
    • High in protein to maintain lean muscle
    • Formulated specifically for small and toy breeds
    • Calcium and phosphorus for strong bones and teeth
    • Contains prebiotics and probiotics for digestive health
    Cons
    • Contains wheat, potentially unsuitable for grain-sensitive dogs

    3. The Honest Kitchen Grain Free Chicken Recipe

    The Honest Kitchen Whole Food Checken

    Main ingredients: Chicken, potatoes, peas, lentils, chicken liver, carrots
    Protein content: 26.5% min
    Fat content: 15.5% min
    Calories: 3,918 kcal/kg, 460 kcal/cup

    The Honest Kitchen’s Chicken Recipe is a standout option that prioritizes the integrity of its ingredients. Made with non-GMO ingredients that are easily recognizable, this food assures you that your Pug is receiving only the best, real, and whole foods for optimal nutrition.

    Safety is another strong suit of this product. It’s manufactured in a human food facility, adhering to safety standards that are seven times stricter than those for feed-grade foods. Moreover, The Honest Kitchen is a Certified B Corporation, emphasizing its commitment to social and environmental responsibility.

    However, this specific product is formulated for puppies, which means it may not provide the exact nutrition your adult Pug needs. Despite the high quality, you might need to transition to an adult formulation once your Pug grows older.

    Pros
    • Made with wholesome non-GMO ingredients
    • High safety standards in manufacturing
    • The company prioritizes social and environmental initiatives
    • 100% human-grade, nutrient-dense food
    Cons
    • Formulated for puppies, not ideal for adult dogs

    4. Blue Buffalo Baby Blue – Best for Puppies

    Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Healthy Growth

    Main ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, oatmeal, barley
    Protein content: 27% min
    Fat content: 16% min
    Calories: 3,686 Kcals/kg, 398 kcals/cup

    Blue Buffalo Baby Blue is specially crafted to support the healthy growth of puppies. The formula features real chicken and brown rice as the primary ingredients, making it high in quality protein for proper muscle growth. It also includes balanced levels of calcium and phosphorus to help build strong bones.

    This puppy food is enriched with DHA and ARA, essential fatty acids found in mother’s milk, which are crucial for brain and eye development. The brand’s unique LifeSource Bits—a blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants—provide healthy immune system support. Additionally, this formula contains omega 3 & 6 fatty acids to promote vibrant skin and coat.

    However, it’s worth noting that every puppy is unique, and some might have different dietary needs or preferences. It’s always recommended to consult with a vet when choosing a new food for your pup.

    Pros
    • Supports proper muscle growth and strong bones
    • Includes DHA and ARA for brain and eye development
    • Features LifeSource Bits for healthy immune system support
    • Promotes vibrant skin and coat
    Cons
    • Might not suit all puppies’ dietary needs or preferences

    5. Nulo Frontrunner Ancient Grains Turkey, Whitefish & Quinoa

    Nulo Frontrunner Ancient Grains Turkey, Whitefish & Quinoa Small Breed Dry Dog Food

    Main ingredients: Deboned turkey, oats, chicken meal, brown rice, barley, turkey meal
    Protein content: 27% min
    Fat content: 16% min
    Calories: 3,660 kcal/kg, 432 kcal/cup

    Nulo Frontrunner Ancient Grains Turkey, Whitefish & Quinoa comes highly recommended for your Pug. It boasts a high animal-based protein content of 77%, sourced from real deboned turkey and whitefish.

    These quality proteins are key for supporting lean muscle mass and a healthy heart. It’s enriched with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for a shiny coat and healthy skin. You’ll appreciate the addition of probiotics, essential for your pet’s digestive and immune system health.

    Despite its high-quality ingredients and benefits, it is quite pricey, which might deter budget-conscious pet owners. Still, if you want to make sure your Pug eats a high-quality diet, you should seriously consider Nulo’s Frontrunner blend.

    Pros
    • High in animal-based protein
    • Contains Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids
    • Includes probiotics for digestion and immunity
    • Formulated without pea and potato protein powders
    Cons
    • Price might be high for some budgets

    6. Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Pug Adult Dry Dog Food

    Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition

    Main ingredients: Brewers Rice, chicken by-product meal, brown rice, corn
    Protein content: 23% min
    Fat content: 14% min
    Calories: 3,740 kcal/kg, 314 kcal/cup

    Specially formulated for Pugs, Royal Canin’s Dog Food is designed to address the unique needs of this breed. One of the key features of this dog food is its specially shaped kibble, tailored to fit the short, square muzzle of Pugs. This makes it easier for the puppies to pick up and chew their food.

    This breed-specific diet helps promote a healthy weight, maintain muscle tone, and protect their skin and coat. Essential nutrients such as EPA and DHA from fish oil provide excellent skin and coat care, while precise protein levels and added L-carnitine support muscle maintenance. Furthermore, it offers a balanced formula to help maintain your Pug’s weight.

    Despite these great features, keep in mind that while dry food offers concentrated nutrients and a texture that provides a brushing effect, incorporating wet food can further support your dog’s hydration needs.

    Pros
    • Specially shaped kibble for Pug’s muzzles
    • Promotes a healthy weight and muscle tone
    • Essential nutrients for good skin and coat care
    • Balanced formula for optimal weight management
    Cons
    • Might need supplemental wet food for hydration

    7. Wellness CORE Small Breed

    Wellness Core Grain-Free Small Breed Turkey

    Main ingredients: Deboned turkey, chicken meal, turkey meal, peas
    Protein content: 38% min
    Fat content: 18% min
    Calories: 3,910 kcal/kg or 504 kcal/cup

    Wellness CORE’s Small Breed is an excellent choice for pet parents seeking a high-quality, grain-free diet for their puppies. Made in the USA, this formula’s main ingredient is turkey, a lean source of protein that is highly digestible and great for muscle development.

    The unique CORE recipes by Wellness are based on the nutritional philosophy that dogs, like their ancestors, thrive on a diet primarily made up of meat. It provides the nutrition your small breed puppy needs with added DHA to support cognitive development and a high concentration of quality animal protein for their growing bodies.

    In addition to protein, this dog food also contains optimal levels of fats and carbohydrates. It’s enriched with taurine for heart health, prebiotics and probiotics for a healthy digestive system, and omega fatty acids to promote healthy skin and a shiny coat.

    However, do note that while this recipe does prioritize turkey, it also includes chicken, which may not be suitable for dogs with specific dietary needs or restrictions.

    Pros
    • High-quality turkey is the primary ingredient
    • Grain-free and high in protein
    • Includes DHA for cognitive development
    • Contains prebiotics, probiotics, and omega fatty acids for overall health
    Cons
    • Contains chicken, which might not suit dogs with certain dietary restrictions

    8. IAMS Adult Minichunks Small Kibble with Real Chicken

    IAMS Adult MiniChunks Small Kibble

    Main ingredients: Chicken, ground whole grain corn, ground whole grain sorghum
    Protein content: 25% min
    Fat content: 14% min
    Calories: 3,654 kcal ME/kg, 380 kcal ME/Cup

    IAMS Adult Minichunks Small Kibble stands out as a high-protein meal designed to meet the nutritional needs of your adult dog. With real, farm-raised chicken as the first ingredient, this dog food promotes healthy digestion and muscle strength. The small kibble size makes it a great choice for dogs who prefer smaller bites.

    The formula includes a wholesome blend of fibers and prebiotics to support your pet’s digestion and the premium-sourced protein aids in maintaining strong muscles. If your dog prefers individual kibbles over traditional dog food or treats, this could be an excellent option for you as it doubles as a treat for training purposes. However, it’s important to note that it is slightly more expensive compared to some other brands.

    This product comes highly recommended for its high quality and appeal to dogs. Despite the slightly higher price, the value it delivers in terms of nutrition and the appeal to dogs makes it a worthy choice for many pet parents.

    Pros
    • Real, farm-raised chicken is the first ingredient
    • Small kibble size is ideal for dogs who prefer smaller bites
    • Supports healthy digestion with a blend of fibers and prebiotics
    • Can double as a treat for training purposes
    Cons
    • Slightly more expensive compared to some other brands

    9. Halo Meal Bites Freeze Dried Raw

    Halo Meal Bites Beef Recipe Raw Freeze-Dried Dog Food

    Main ingredients: Beef, beef heart, beef liver, beef lung, beef kidney, beef tripe
    Protein content: 41% min
    Fat content: 28% min
    Calories: 4,330 kcal ME/kg; 233 kcal/cup

    Halo Meal Bites offers a minimally processed, raw food alternative for your pet. This premium meat dog food recipe consists of high-quality animal proteins that make up 99% of the formula, including freeze-dried raw beef and organs. This ultra-premium dog food is designed to be an excellent source of energy for your pet, making it perfect for active dogs.

    A key selling point of this product is its vitamin and nutrient content. Each serving contains vitamin C to support immune health, fiber for digestive health, and Omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. Also, this product is free from corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, preservatives, and colors.

    Users of this product are delighted by its benefits. In addition to their pets loving the taste, owners report noticeable health improvements, such as weight loss in overweight dogs and better digestive health. Despite its higher price point, many consider this product a good investment in their pets’ health.

    Pros
    • High-quality, freeze-dried raw beef and organs as primary ingredients
    • Minimally processed to preserve natural flavors and nutrients
    • Contains vitamin C, fiber, and Omega-3 fatty acids
    • Free of artificial additives
    Cons
    • Price may be higher than other brands

    10. Hill’s Science Diet Chicken & Barley Recipe

     

     

    Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Bites Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

    Main ingredients: Chicken, cracked pearled barley, whole grain wheat
    Protein content: 20% min
    Fat content: 11.5% min
    Calories: 363 kcal/8-oz cup

    Hill’s Science Diet Dog Food is a nutritious option specially formulated for small-breed dogs. The primary ingredient is high-quality protein from real chicken, designed to help your pet maintain lean muscle mass. This adult dog food also includes Omega-6s and Vitamin E to nourish your dog’s skin and coat.

    The small kibble size is perfect for small and toy breeds, and the natural fibers in the formula promote healthy digestion, which is vital for adult dogs. The recipe, backed by decades of cutting-edge research, is developed to be a delicious meal that your pet will love.

    Hill’s Science Diet is recognized for its stringent quality standards. Each ingredient is carefully examined for safety, and the product’s nutritional profile is analyzed to ensure your pet gets the precise formulation they need. Hill’s dry pet foods do not contain artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or chicken by-product meal.

    Pros
    • High-quality protein from real chicken for lean muscle maintenance
    • Omega-6s and Vitamin E for skin and coat health
    • Small kibble size ideal for small and toy breeds
    • Natural fibers for promoting healthy digestion
    Cons
    • Not ideal for Shih Tzus

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    Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Dog Food for Pugs

    senior pug eating
    Image Credit: Anastasiia Vasileva, Shutterstock

    When it comes to feeding your Pug, choosing the best dog food is essential. Pugs are prone to certain health issues like obesity, hip dysplasia, and breathing difficulties, so their diet should be carefully managed. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing the best food for your Pug.

    Breed-Specific Nutrition: Some brands offer dog food specially formulated for Pugs. These foods consider the specific nutritional needs and eating habits of the breed. While not a necessity, breed-specific foods can sometimes offer added benefits.

    Age and Life Stage: Different life stages require different nutritional content. Puppies, adults, and senior dogs all have unique dietary needs. Make sure to choose a product that’s appropriate for your Pug’s current life stage.

    High-Quality Protein: Protein should be the first ingredient listed on the label and should come from a high-quality source like chicken, beef, or fish. Protein supports muscle growth and maintenance, which is particularly important for this muscular, compact breed.

    Balanced Diet: The best dog food for Pugs will offer a balanced diet, containing the right blend of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. A balanced diet will ensure your Pug receives all the necessary nutrients for overall health.

    Weight Management: Pugs are prone to obesity, so it’s crucial to select a dog food that promotes a healthy weight. Look for foods with lower calorie counts or those specifically formulated for weight management.

    Black pug eating sweet potato balls
    Image Credit: Ezzolo, Shutterstock

    Grain-Free Options: Some Pugs may have grain sensitivities or allergies. If this is the case for your Pug, consider grain-free options. Be aware that the FDA is currently investigating a potential link between grain-free diets and heart disease in dogs, so discuss this option with your vet before switching.

    Special Dietary Needs: If your Pug has specific health issues, such as joint problems, digestive issues, or skin allergies, look for dog foods formulated to address these needs.

    No Artificial Additives: High-quality dog foods will avoid using artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, which are not beneficial to your pet’s health.

    Kibble Size: Pugs have a distinct short, square muzzle, which can make picking up and chewing some types of kibble challenging. Look for brands that offer small or specially shaped kibble designed for breeds with shorter snouts.

    Remember, every dog is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. Always consult with your veterinarian before making significant changes to your pet’s diet.

    It’s also essential to pay attention to how your Pug responds to the food. Look for signs of good health, such as a shiny coat, healthy skin, high energy levels, and regular bowel movements.

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    Conclusion

    Our top five picks for the best dog foods for Pugs this year offer a range of options that cater to the specific needs of your pet. The Farmer’s Dog Chicken Recipe Food Bowl topped our list as the best overall because it delivers high-quality, human-grade meat and vegetables straight to your door.

    Purina Pro Plan Adult Small Breed Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food is our best value pick, as it delivers a high-protein formula specifically designed for small breeds like Pugs. Our premium pick, The Honest Kitchen Grain Free Chicken Recipe, provides top-tier, non-GMO ingredients in human-grade food.

    Chosen as the best for puppies, Blue Buffalo Baby Blue offers a balanced diet to support healthy growth. It includes DHA and ARA for brain and eye development and features LifeSource Bits for a robust immune system. Lastly, Nulo Frontrunner Ancient Grains Turkey, Whitefish & Quinoa is also a great choice for dog food. It stands out for its high animal-based protein content, probiotics, and inclusion of omega fatty acids.

    Choosing the right food for your Pug is crucial for their health and happiness. These top picks reflect a balance of quality, value, and premium ingredients to ensure your Pug receives the nutrients they need.

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    Featured Image Credit: Africa Studio, Shutterstock

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