When adopting a pug puppy, one concern that usually arises is related to the meal schedule and diet you need to adopt for him in order to prevent any further disorders. As a responsible pet parent, you’ll need to know more about a pug’s health and nutrition to help you make the right choices. This article outlines the basics of feeding your pug puppy.
How To Feed Your Pug Puppy
Some believe that cow milk can do no harm to puppies. In fact, that is not true. Although they get milk from their mothers, after being born, it is not the same as regular milk that we consume. It is recommended to avoid it from a puppy’s meal because they lack the enzyme necessary to digest milk compounds and most dogs are lactose intolerant. Ingesting cow milk can be dangerous as it causes indigestion, upset stomach, and pain.
Alternatively, you can try milk that has a nutritional content formula that is suitable for lactose intolerant dogs. Pug puppies should be served at least three meals a day and these should be very rich in nutrients. You can go for more than three meals a day and establish a schedule at a distance of a few hours and feed them in much smaller portions.
This appears to be an optimal choice because your pug won’t feel hungry. As opposed to large dog breeds, pugs have a faster metabolism rate and they require more meals, especially when they are young. As they grow older, you can choose to feed them two meals a day, and pay attention to the food quality and not quantity.
The Ideal Diet For Pug Puppies
It is very important to take into account the dietary needs of a pug puppy in establishing the ideal diet formula. As they are in the growth stage, the foods we give them must assure a high-calorie intake – they need the energy to strengthen their body muscles, hence it should be rich in proteins, fats, amino acids, minerals, and fibers.
The best source to get all these nutrients is from fruits, vegetables, and meat. Meat is the richest source of protein and energy, so every meal should contain it. If you decide to cook the meals for your pug at home and not to buy ready meals, then you can ask your vet what quantity to use of any food item and which ones should be completely avoided from their diet.
Snack Ideas for Pug Puppy Feeding
In between meals you want to give your puppy a healthy snack, rewarding their good behavior also, you can opt out for frozen fruits, like banana slices, or if you prefer vegetables, you can give them carrots or broccoli not too cooked. Vegetables and fruits should be part of a puppy’s diet because they have a lot of benefits for the skin and lower the chance of cardiovascular diseases.
Wet Food Vs. Dry Food
Many owners wonder which food is better for their puppies, wet or dry. However, in choosing the type of food, we need to ponder on which is more high-qualitative and nurturing for our pets and both wet and dry food can present some advantages and disadvantages.
The main difference between them is the water content, which in wet food is higher. For puppies, it is best to serve canned food, because it is more flavored and nourishing. When they grow older, you can alternatively serve them kibble food in smaller portions, the advantage being that they are rich in nutrients and maintain healthy gums and good dental hygiene.
Feeding your pug puppy right is extremely important for his development and keeping him healthy and when in doubt, you can rely on your vet for advice on the best diet for your pug.