Pugs are cute, lovable, and faithful companions who love nothing more than being with their owners at all times. For this beautiful little breed of dog, there is only one thing that can improve that arrangement and that is adding a little food to the equation. As every Pug owner discovers, this little dog loves to eat. Sometimes they seem to rival the Great White Shark as a devouring machine. How do you handle the hungry Pug?
There are two things to remember when it comes to this problem. The first thing is that a Pug is prone to being overweight. Due to their love of food, they can easily overeat. This is not good because an overweight Pug will have even more difficulty breathing and this breed is already susceptible to respiratory problems. They are what is known as the brachycephalic race. This type of dog has a short muzzle and a broad head. Due to the structure of the nasal passage, respiratory problems can develop more in this type of dog and the extra pounds can aggravate the problem. You should be able to feel the ribs when you rub a Pug’s body. A weight of between fourteen and twenty pounds is generally considered ideal, but it varies, of course, with size. Any weight over twenty pounds is considered heavy and unhealthy for this little dog. In addition to the added stress for breathing, the added weight can also lead to other ailments due to the delicate bone structure of this breed.
The second thing to keep in mind when dealing with your seemingly hungry Pug is that eating is one of life’s great joys for the average dog. Pugs seem to take this to the extreme. It is definitely in their nature. They love to eat! So why fight? For many owners, it is better to feed their dog more times during the day with smaller amounts rather than a single meal. Obviously this depends on your schedule, but feeding your Pug just once can exacerbate the hunger pangs that this breed of dog seems to feel most of the time. Healthy snacks are also a great way to alleviate these starvation symptoms that every Pug seems to develop. We have found that baby carrots are a favorite of most Pugs. Two or three during the day provide a good source of nutrition and a little something for your little friend to eat during the day.
Of course, you should consult with your veterinarian about everything you introduce in your Pug’s diet. Don’t be surprised if your vet watches your Pug’s weight as carefully as you do. Many vets advise their Pug owners to purchase a scale to keep track of their little friend’s weight. They will also suggest moderate physical activity except on hot days. Almost everyone will approve of a baby carrot or two as a daytime snack and these little treats can, in fact, become your secret weapon in tame the constant hunger that seems to be present in every Pug.
