The Ultimutt Pug Handbook

Introduction and history Quirks of a Pug Health Conditions Pug can be prone to Pug exercise Pug grooming Pug diet Why we Recommend Fresh for a Pug

This small yet sturdy breed having a mischievous and affectionate demeanour.

Introduction and History

The Pug is a small yet sturdy breed known for its distinctive wrinkled face, round eyes, and playful personality. Originally bred as companions for Chinese emperors, Pugs were cherished for their affectionate and entertaining nature. When they made their way to Europe, they quickly became favourites among royalty and aristocracy.

Pugs are natural entertainers, bringing joy and laughter to any home. Their charming and mischievous demeanour, combined with their loyal and loving nature, makes them excellent companions for individuals and families alike.

Quirks of a Pug

Pugs are known for their lively yet affectionate temperament. They thrive on human interaction and love being the centre of attention. These little dogs are natural performers, often displaying quirky behaviours such as dramatic head tilts, playful spins, and an eagerness to "talk" to their owners through expressive grunts and snorts.

One of their most notable traits is their love for food. Pugs are highly food-motivated and will often try to convince their owners they are always hungry. However, this strong appetite makes portion control essential to prevent excessive weight gain.

Their compact, flat-faced structure contributes to their unique appearance but also requires special care, as it makes them prone to respiratory challenges, particularly in hot or humid weather. Despite their potential health concerns, Pugs remain cheerful, devoted, and affectionate companions.

Health Conditions Pug can be prone to

While generally healthy, Pugs are susceptible to certain conditions due to their physical traits:

Brachycephalic Syndrome: Their short noses and compact airways make breathing difficult, particularly during exercise or in warm weather. Owners should monitor their activity levels and ensure they stay cool and well-hydrated.
Hip Dysplasia: This condition affects the proper development of the hip joints, leading to discomfort and mobility issues. Maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in low-impact exercise can help manage this condition.
Eye Conditions: Due to their large, prominent eyes, Pugs are prone to dryness, infections, and injuries. Regular veterinary check-ups and proper eye care are essential.
Obesity: Pugs have a strong appetite and a tendency to gain weight easily. Proper portion control and a balanced diet are crucial to maintaining their overall health.

Pug exercise

Pugs have moderate exercise needs. While they enjoy playtime and short walks, they are not as energetic as some other small breeds. Their brachycephalic nature makes them prone to breathing difficulties, so it is important to keep their activity levels manageable and avoid strenuous exercise.

A couple of short walks each day, combined with interactive playtime, is sufficient to keep them happy and healthy. Pugs enjoy mental stimulation just as much as physical exercise, so engaging them in training games and puzzle toys is beneficial.

Due to their sensitivity to heat, Pugs should not be exercised in hot conditions. Always provide access to fresh water and shade, and monitor them closely during outdoor activities.

Pug grooming

Pugs have short, smooth coats that require minimal grooming. Regular brushing, about twice a week, helps control shedding and keeps their fur healthy.

Their facial wrinkles require special attention. Cleaning and drying the folds regularly prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to infections. Using a soft, dry cloth to wipe between the wrinkles helps maintain their skin health.

Regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care are also important aspects of Pug grooming. Keeping their ears clean helps prevent infections, while routine tooth brushing supports good oral health.

Pug diet

Due to their love for food, Pugs require strict portion control to prevent obesity. A well-balanced diet formulated for small breeds helps maintain their overall health and energy levels.

Feeding them two measured meals per day, rather than allowing free feeding, helps regulate their digestion and prevent excessive weight gain. Treats should be given in moderation to avoid overfeeding.

Fresh water should always be available to keep them hydrated, and human food should be avoided to prevent digestive issues and unhealthy weight gain.

Why we recommend fresh for a Pug

Highly processed kibble can really exacerbate the conditions Pugs are more susceptible to. A dog fed on a fresh food diet will live on average 32 months longer than a dog fed a dry diet (read more about this on our blog). That’s why a fresh Tuggs diet, gently cooked to lock in the nutrition, pre-portioned and tailor-made is a no-brainer for your pooch.

Promote better digestion for your Pug

Pugs are pretty good at digesting a whole load of things (more so than us humans!) but that’s not to say they can digest anything. The human-grade ingredients we include in Tuggs is highly digestible and helps your Pug thrive in so many ways: providing the protein for growth (particularly muscle growth), a strong heart, and of course, nice and firm poops. With ingredients your Pug can digest, their poop will be less volumous and less stinky. Makes picking them up slightly less tedious!

Improve dental hygiene for your Pug

Dried pellets are definitely not the answer to clean teeth (or fresh breath). In fact, due to its ultra-processed nature, kibble is more prone to getting stuck in your pup’s teeth, contributing to decay and plaque build-up. Unsurprisingly, a fresh-food diet contributes far less to this. Moreover, the fresh ingredients contribute to a stronger overall immune system, ready to fight off any bacterial infections in the mouth or beyond.

Maintain healthy joints for your Pug

Pugs can be prone to issues with their joints. Fortunately, a lean body condition will lessen the chances of issues manifesting - easily achievable on a Tuggs diet. Our salmon oil in each recipe has loads of Omega-3 fatty acids, the first port of call for any doggy looking to improve arthritis and reduce inflammation. Even if kibble did contain some of these healthy fats, the ultra-processed nature of the food makes it harder for your Pug to absorb the goodness. Furthermore, the fats can go off given kibble has such a long shelf life. Fresh food is, well, fresh. The ingredients land on your doorstep with all their goodness ready to nourish your beloved.

Maintain a healthy weight for your Pug

Our algorithm will sort a tailor-made diet for your Pug, with clear portioning, and can be adapted as your pooch grows from a puppy into a lean adult. An overweight Pug will be at a far increased risk of various conditions including arthritis, diabetes, and even cancer. Fresh food with no dodgy ingredients is a pretty easy way to stay on top of the weight issue!

Discover More About Tuggs

Every dog is unique, and their meals should be too. Our expert-approved, nutrient-rich recipes are customised to fit your dog’s size, breed, and health needs. With Tuggs, feeding your dog healthy, delicious meals has never been easier—just click, create your plan, and we'll handle the rest.

Create my plan