Ah, the Chug — a petite powerhouse who blends the spunky charm of a Chihuahua with the lovable goofiness of a pug. Owning a Chug is like having the best of both worlds wrapped up in one adorable, pint-sized package.
But as any Chug owner would tell you, it’s not always about snuggles on the couch and sweet puppy dog eyes. I mean, let’s face it, your little pup has got a pretty big appetite for such a small fur-ball.
And just like her personality, your Chug’s dietary needs are a tad more unique than the average pooch.
Don’t worry – we’ll help guide you in your quest for the perfect dog food, specifically tailored to your Chug’s individual needs.
Ready to take a deep dive into the world of premium pooch nosh? Let’s get going, for the sake of your Chug’s chow!
Best Dog Food for Chugs: Quick Picks
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Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Dog Food for Chugs
Like any other dog breed (or combination thereof), Chugs are prone to a variety of health issues, which should influence your choice of dog food. Specifically, that means picking a food that checks the following boxes:
- Reasonable Fat and Caloric Content: Because of their Chihuahua and Pug parents’ tendencies, Chugs can easily become overweight. It’s critical to provide a balanced diet that’s low in fats, has a moderate caloric content, and is rich in lean proteins to help manage your pet’s weight effectively.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Because of their flat faces, Chugs often suffer from breathing issues. There’s not much you can do to change this with food, but a diet rich in antioxidants will help bolster your pup’s immune health. This will help prepare your pup to better battle any potential respiratory infections, which are even more problematic for brachycephalic breeds.
- Contains Joint-Supporting Supplements: Joint issues like hip dysplasia and patellar luxation can be concerns for compact breeds like Chugs. Picking a food with supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin in your dog’s diet can enhance joint health, resulting in seamless zoomies.
- Packed with Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil and flaxseed help to reduce inflammation (which also helps support joint health) and promote skin and coat health. This is important for Chugs, who’re sometimes prone to skin and coat problems.
It’s always important to remember that your Chug may have individual dietary needs that aren’t common with the breed as a whole. If you have concerns about your Chug’s diet, it’s always best to consult with your trusted vet.
Fellow pet parents, we need to chat. That whole “one-size-fits-all” chow for specific breeds, including our lovable Chugs? It’s mostly marketing gobbledygook.
Sure, specific diet factors might be beneficial for our Chugs, but chances are other breeds would thrive on it too. So let’s wag our tails at genuinely beneficial ingredients and move beyond the breed label.
Remember, our ultimate goal is to keep our pooch’s tail wagging!
Best Dog Food for Chugs: The 9 Niftiest Noms
Now that you know some of the things to look for when picking a food for your Chug, we can move on to our specific product recommendations. Just remember to choose the food that is best suited for your specific pet.
1. Ollie
WHO’S THIS FOOD BEST FOR?
The premium ingredients and customizable nature of Ollie make it an excellent choice for most Chugs.
About: Ideal for giving your regal rascal a gourmet experience, Ollie delivers not just a meal but an experience. With its fresh, minimally-processed assortment of whole animal proteins, your Chug’s tail will relentlessly wag at mealtime. Made in USDA-certified kitchens located right in the USA, Ollie offers taste, nutrition, and unmatched convenience: Their fresh-frozen foods are delivered to your doorstep alongside an adorable “leftovers” container for safe fridge storage.
First Five Ingredients: Turkey, Butternut Squash, Turkey Livers, Oats, & Lentils
Features:
- Scrumptious Human-Grade Ingredients: Ollie dishes out fresh meats, whole grains, vitamin-rich veggies, and delicious fruits.
- Protein Powerhouse: Meat reigns here, always leading the ingredient pack, flanked by tasty organ meats to provide a protein content of between 35% to 44% (per dry matter analysis).
- Caters to All Phases of Life: Each Ollie recipe is created by vets to meet the AAFCO nutrient profile for all life stages, making it perfect for families with multiple dogs, as well as pet parents who want to use a single food for their pet’s entire life.
- Company with a Heart: By donating 1% of their proceeds to rescue organizations and animal shelters, Ollie gives a helping paw to the canine community in need.
- Protein Variety: Ollie boasts a slew of protein options, from beef, chicken, and lamb to pork and turkey.
- No Synthetics: By dodging artificial flavors, preservatives, or by-products, Ollie reduces the risk of potential food-related issues.
Ingredients List
Turkey, butternut squash, turkey livers, oats, lentils...,
spinach, blueberries, kale, tricalcium phosphate, salt, salmon oil, taurine, zinc gluconate, vitamin E supplement, ferrous sulphate, copper amino acid chelate, manganese amino acid chelate, cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) supplement, riboflavin (vitamin B2), thiamine hydrochloride (vitamin B1), pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), potassium iodide
Pros
- It’s hard to outshine the quality of human-grade ingredients
- “Leftover” container included, making uneaten food storage a breeze
- 1% of all Ollie proceeds go to canine-related charities
Cons
- To get your hands on Ollie goodies, a subscription is mandatory
- Being fresh food, Ollie meals require refrigeration
2. Nutro Natural Choice Small Breed Chicken & Brown Rice
WHO’S THIS FOOD BEST FOR?
The small kibblet size and premium ingredients of this kibble make it a good pick for most adult Chugs.
About: Serving you all the good stuff from the USA, Nutro Small Breed Chicken & Brown Rice packs a nutritional protein punch for your feisty Chug. With kibbles just the right size for those tiny jaws, this dog food delivers a mix of whole grains and antioxidants, keeping your pup’s health in check. Best of all, most Chugs go ga-ga for the taste!
First Five Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Barley, Split Peas, & Brewers Rice
Features:
- Power-Packed Protein: Chicken and chicken meal lead the ingredients’ brigade.
- Easy on the Tummy. Fiber-rich grains and produce should make digestion a simpler affair for your Chug.
- Shiney Coat Coming Up. Flaxseed and chia seed oils help nourish your dog’s skin and glisten her coat.
- Skipping Common Triggers: This food contains no artificial ingredients or soy – common ingredients that often spell trouble.
- Made in the USA: This food is cooked up in the US of A, with ingredients sourced from across the globe.
Ingredients List
Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Barley, Split Peas, Brewers Rice...,
Whole Grain Brown Rice, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Flavor, Rice Bran, Whole Grain Oatmeal, Whole Flaxseed, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Citric Acid (preservative), Mixed Tocopherols (preservative), Chia Seed, Dried Coconut, DL-Methionine, Dried Tomato Pomace, Dried Egg Product, Dried Pumpkin, Dried Kale, Dried Spinach, Salt, Vitamin E Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Sodium Selenite, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Manganous Oxide, Potassium Iodide, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract
Pros
- Specifically designed for small doggos and their specific size and nutritional requirements
- It’s a high-quality kibble at a reasonable price point
- Brings along awesome add-ons like antioxidant-rich superfoods and omega-3 fatty acids
Cons
- A very small number of owners complain that it doesn’t smell great
- Lack of probiotics is a missed opportunity
3. Purina ONE Classic Ground Beef and Brown Rice
WHO’S THIS FOOD BEST FOR?
The soft texture and meaty taste of this canned dog food make it ideal for picky Chugs and those with dental issues.
About: Despite the brand’s sometimes negative reputation, Purina has some very worthwhile food options. While some of Purina’s offerings may not grab your attention, the Purina ONE Classic Beef and Brown Rice should pique your interest.
This canned food boasts an impressive ingredient list rich in meaty goodness, such as beef, chicken, liver, and pork lungs taking the top slots. Where most premium wet foods fly the grain-free flag, many pet parents are seeking grain-inclusive options, thanks to FDA’s latest inputs on canine dilated cardiomyopathy.This is where Purina ONE Classic shines with the inclusion of healthy grains such as brown rice and oatmeal.
First Five Ingredients: Beef, Chicken, Beef Broth, Liver, & Pork Lungs
Features:
- Meaty Masterpiece: The formula starts strong with high-quality beef as its primary ingredient, tantalizing the meat-lover in your Chug.
- Grains for the Win: Brown rice provides an excellent carbohydrate source for long-lasting energy.
- Hydration Hero: The moist texture of this food promotes doggy hydration, favoring kidney health and ease of digestion.
- Clean Eats: Sticking to their commitment to genuine ingredients, Purina avoids artificial colors, flavors and preservatives, fillers, and poultry by-products.
Ingredients List
Beef, Chicken, Beef Broth, Liver, Pork Lungs...,
Brown Rice, Oat Meal, Carrots, Spinach, Egg Product, MINERALS (Potassium Chloride, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenite), Carrageenan, Guar Gum, Salt, Choline Chloride, Locust Bean Gum, Tricalcium Phosphate, VITAMINS [Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin (Vitamin B-3), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Vitamin A Supplement, Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Biotin (Vitamin B-7)]. H422021
Pros
- The palatable ground texture is a hit (and works wonderfully in frozen feeder toys)
- Includes brown rice, making it a unique non-grain-free wet food
- More wallet-friendly than many of its wet food competitors
Cons
- The protein blend is not exclusive to just beef, potentially causing allergy issues
- As is the case with all canned foods, storing leftovers is tough
Not a big fan of canned dog food? Another way to try to tempt finicky Chugs is by using delicious dog food toppers. These are tasty and nutritious additives that will often get even the pickiest of pooches to dig right in!
Dog food toppers come in a variety of forms and flavors, so there should be one that suits your Chug’s palate and dietary needs perfectly!
4. Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Puppy
.
WHO’S THIS FOOD BEST FOR?
Development-focused ingredients like brain-boosting omega-3s and small kibblets make this kibble perfect for Chug puppies.
About: Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Puppy Food is designed to keep your small breed pooch, be it a Chug or otherwise, in the peak of health. With a tailor-made combination of high-quality proteins and grains, this food is here to keep your dog’s energy levels up. Natural sources of DHA support brain and eye development while spinach and berries help strengthen immune health. To add to that, the calcium and phosphorus content aids in bone and muscle growth. Most importantly, the kibble size is just right for miniature mutt mouths.
First Five Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Salmon Meal, & Barley
Features:
- Genuine Meat Takes the Lead: Deboned turkey is the star of this small doggie delight.
- Mixed Proteins On Offer: A blend of turkey, chicken, and fish will tempt even the fussiest of puppies into finishing their meals. This protein mix also ensures your pint-sized pup maintains healthy muscles.
- Taurine Included: Heart health in dogs is boosted by the addition of taurine to the mix.
- Probiotics for Digestion: A balanced bunch of probiotics is included in the recipe to ensure your fur baby’s digestion remains in top-notch form.
- Homegrown in the USA: Wellness dog chow is produced on American shores, with ingredients sourced worldwide from trusted providers.
Ingredients List
Deboned Turkey, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Salmon Meal, Barley...,
Ground Brown Rice, Oats, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Tomato Pomace, Menhaden Fish Meal, Tomatoes, Pea Fiber, Salmon Oil, Natural Chicken Flavor, Carrots, Spinach, Potassium Chloride, Ground Flaxseed, Salt, Sweet Potatoes, Blueberries, Apples, Choline Chloride, Mixed Tocopherols added to preserve freshness, Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Chicory Root Extract, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Taurine, Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract
Pros
- Crafted for small breed pups with kibblets designed to fit their small mouths
- The inclusion of natural sources of DHA helps enhance brain and eye development
- Most pups (Chugs included!) give tails up for the flavor
Cons
- This isn’t the most affordable food around
- It could use more protein choices for those dogs who have sensitivities.
5. Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Senior
WHO’S THIS FOOD BEST FOR?
Older Chugs who could use some joint support and immune system assistance.
About: Perfect for your Chug or any other older, petite pet, Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Senior is a grain-inclusive dry food. It comes with tiny, triangular kibble perfect for easy munching. Taurine content ensures heart health, while poultry works wonders for ensuring muscle strength and energy. To top it off, glucosamine and chondroitin give your senior fur baby’s joints a boost. This kibble is all about balanced nutrition with a senior-friendly focus, thanks to the formulation by top veterinarians and animal nutritionists.
First Five Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Chicken Meal, Ground Brown Rice, Peas, & Rice
Features:
- Protein Reigns Supreme: As in other Wellness Complete dog food, real meat takes center stage, offering your aging buddy the protein she needs to thrive.
- Immunity Boost: Enhance your senior dog’s immune system =- often a concern area in aging dogs – with a healthy dose of antioxidants.
- Nutrition, Energy, and Fullness: Quality grains like oats and ground brown rice lend sustainable energy and a satisfying fullness to your senior dog.
- Rich in Fruits and Veggies: Boasting an array of produce, including spinach, carrots, and peas, this food is packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- USA Tracking: This kibble is made in the USA while sourcing ingredients from trusted and safe global suppliers.
Ingredients List
Deboned Turkey, Chicken Meal, Ground Brown Rice, Peas, Rice...,
Oats, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Tomato Pomace, Ground Flaxseed, Tomatoes, Pea Fiber, Natural Chicken Flavor, Carrots, Spinach, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Sweet Potatoes, Blueberries, Apples, Mixed Tocopherols added to preserve freshness, Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Chicory Root Extract, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Taurine, Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Chondroitin Sulfate, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract
Pros
- It’s packed with senior-friendly ingredients like chondroitin, glucosamine, and fatty acids
- Probiotic blend helps support healthy digestion
- Comes with a diversified mix of fruits and veggies for natural vitamin and fiber sources
Cons
- Could do with more protein options for pups that can’t handle poultry or mixed meats
- The smaller bag size means more frequent reordering, which might not be ideal
6. American Journey Lamb, Brown Rice & Vegetables
WHO’S THIS FOOD BEST FOR?
Chug lovers on a budget will love the premium nutrition of this versatile all-life-stages food offered without a premium price tag attached.
About: If you’re in search of a wallet-friendly yet wholesome choice for your Chug, look no further than American Journey. As Chewy’s in-house brand, American Journey understands the needs of pet owners and captures this in their Protein & Grains series featuring their Lamb, Brown Rice & Vegetables Recipe. The result? A satisfying, nutrient-dense dog food boasting premium protein, ample omega fatty acids, and notably, zero artificial nasties.
First Five Ingredients: Deboned Lamb, Lamb Meal, Turkey Meal, Brown Rice, & Rice Bran
Features:
- Lamb Extravaganza: This recipe takes a bow with lamb as its lead, accompanied by lamb and turkey meal, offering a lean protein content of 23%.
- Grain-Inclusive Greatness: The inclusion of brown rice not only helps fill your pup’s belly but also offers dietary fiber for smooth digestion and continuous energy.
- Veggie Medley: A carefully curated assortment of vegetables delivers an abundance of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for overall well-being.
- Omega-3 Rich: Enhanced with flaxseed and fish oils, this recipe is an omega-3 fatty acid bonanza, supporting skin and coat health.
- Nothing Artificial: This recipe skips the artificial add-ons, keeping it real for your canine.
Ingredients List
Deboned Lamb, Lamb Meal, Turkey Meal, Brown Rice, Rice Bran...,
Barley, Peas, Natural Flavor, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Flaxseed, Brewers Rice, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Oatmeal, Pea Protein, Fish Oil, Suncured Alfalfa Meal, Dried Tomato Pomace, Salt, Dried Egg Product, Carrots, Sweet Potatoes, L-Threonine, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate), Blueberries, Cranberries, Dried Kelp, Choline Chloride, DL-Methionine, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Taurine, Dried Chicory Root, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Rosemary Extract.
Pros
- Very affordable for the quality
- A balanced blend of high-quality proteins, grains, and veggies
- An Omega-3 fatty acid powerhouse, promoting a luminous coat and healthier skin
Cons
- Multi-protein recipes can cause issues for food allergy sufferers
- While it’s grain-inclusive, the recipe also contains peas and sweet potatoes, which some owners like to avoid
7. Open Farm Grain-Free
WHO’S THIS FOOD BEST FOR?
Chugs with vet-diagnosed grain allergies are a good match for this grain-free kibble using alternative carbohydrate sources.
About: Let your Chug feast on a dog food that can meet the needs of those rare pups who have trouble digesting grains. Open Farm Grain Free Small Breed uses grain alternatives like garbanzo beans and sweet potatoes to keep your furry friend energetic. And because it’s packed with protein, this kibble is calorie-dense to match the appetite of tiny tummies.
Best of all, Open Farm provides truly unmatched ingredient transparency so that you can see exactly where the ingredients come from.
First Five Ingredients: Chicken, Turkey, Menhaden Fish Meal, Herring Meal, & Chickpeas
Features:
- Ethical Proteins: Meat is the primary ingredient, and it’s ethically raised.
- Eco-Tastic: Open Farm utilizes locally-sourced meats and non-GMO veggies, grown via sustainable farming practices.
- All-Age Nutrition: Every Open Farm recipe adheres to AAFCO’s standards for all life stages.
- Food You Can Trace: Track every ingredient from bag to source for total transparency.
- Made in the USA: Open Farm recipes are crafted in the US of A!
Ingredients List
Chicken, Turkey, Menhaden Fish Meal, Herring Meal, Chickpeas...,
Sweet Potato, Natural Flavor, Coconut Oil, Pumpkin, Flaxseed, Kale, Carrots, Apples, Blueberries, Sunflower Oil, Miscanthus Grass, Cranberries, Dried Chicory Root, Choline Chloride, Salmon Oil (source of DHA), Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hidrochloride, Folic Acid), Taurine, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Selenium Yeast, Calcium lodate), Dried Kelp, Salt, New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel, Mixed Tocopherols (a preservative), Parsley, Peppermint, Cinnamon, Turmeric, Rosemary Extract
Pros
- Ingredient transparency that’s hard to beat.
- Specifically designed to cater to the tastes and bellies of small-breed dogs like Chugs.
- Hits a sweet spot with earth-loving pet parents thanks to the brand’s sustainable practices
Cons
- Mixed proteins may not be suitable for Chugs with sensitive systems or allergies
- Open Farm’s quality will cost you a few extra dollars
Be sure to consult with your veterinarian before selecting a grain-free food for your Chug (or any breed barker, for that matter!)
Veterinarians have established a correlation between grain-free foods and increased rates of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).
It isn’t yet clear whether grain-free foods are causing these problems or if it is coincidence.
Nevertheless, caution is warranted.
Additionally, the overwhelming majority of dogs digest grains without issue, and few four-footers are actually allergic to grains (most food allergies are caused by things like chicken, beef, or dairy products).
8. Wellness Complete Health Healthy Weight
WHO’S THIS FOOD BEST FOR?
Chunky Chugs needing to shed a few pounds can benefit from this tasty yet calorie-conscious option.
About: Dreaming of a trimmer, healthier Chug? Let’s turn that into reality with Wellness Complete Health Healthy Weight. This calorie-counted recipe is perfect for Chugs working on their waistlines. As an offering from the famed Wellness Complete line, this chicken-based dog food is free from artificial additives or poultry by-products, and comes loaded with vegetables and fruits such as spinach, carrots, and blueberries for a balanced diet and natural fiber content.
First Five Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Ground Brown Rice, & Ground Barley
Features:
- Energy-Rich Grains: Oatmeal, ground brown rice, and ground barley provide sustainable energy to keep those tail wags coming.
- Immunity on the Menu: Antioxidants from spinach and blueberries play the immune system’s cheerleader.
- Optimal Skin and Coat Condition: Omega-3 fatty acids are included to beautify your Chug and battle inflammation from the inside out.
- Joint Support Provided: With glucosamine and chondroitin, your Chug’s joint health gets the aid it needs for comfy frolics.
- Made in the USA: This food is made in the US from ingredients sourced from rel;iable suppliers across the globe.
Ingredients List
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Ground Brown Rice, Ground Barley,...,
Peas, Tomato Pomace, Rice, Ground Flaxseed, Tomatoes, Chicken Fat, Carrots, Natural Chicken Flavor, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Spinach, Vitamin E Supplement, Taurine, Zinc Proteinate, Mixed Tocopherols Added to Preserve Freshness, Sweet Potatoes, Apples, Blueberries, Zinc Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Chondroitin Sulfate, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Chicory Root Extract, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Garlic Powder, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.
Pros
- Many owners noticed reduced body weight and increased activity levels in their Chugs
- Quality ingredient list that you can trust
- Wooed most of the canine critics in the flavor department
Cons
- Some Chug parents observed a bit of gassiness after feeding
- A few pet parents prefer pea-free dog food due to concerns about DCM
9. Natural Balance LID with Grains
WHO’S THIS FOOD BEST FOR?
Chugs with food allergies or intolerances do well on limited-ingredient diets like this kibble.
About: Simplistic in its essence, Natural Balance’s LID With Grains serves your sensitive Chug well with a concise ingredient list and a novel protein source. Coupled with quality carbohydrates to facilitate better digestion and energy, this dry dog food is an excellent choice for Chugs with allergy constraints.
Given its diverse limited ingredient recipes, the overall health of your Chug, especially her skin and coat health, is in safe hands, courtesy of the added omega-3s. Plus, the bonus taurine in this dog food makes for a happy, healthy heart.
First Five Ingredients: Duck, Duck Meal, Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, & Rice Bran
Features:
- Keeping it Clean: The recipe maintains a limited-ingredient dog food philosophy, completely eliminating anything unnecessary.
- The Real Meat Deal: Real meat takes center stage in every Natural Balance Limited Ingredient food.
- Protein Paradise: Select from five protein options, starting from common meats like chicken and beef to more exotic choices like duck or salmon.
- Single Protein Prodigy: Each Natural Balance Limited Ingredient food inculcates a single protein, ensuring easier management of your Chug’s sensitivities.
- Omega-3 Rich: Includes healthy fats to beautify your Chug’s skin and coat making her look and feel her best.
- A Hearty Helping Hand: Added taurine in the mix provides a supportive role in boosting canine heart health.
- Safety is Priority: Every Natural Balance dog food batch is subjected to rigorous testing at various production points to ensure safety.
- American Made: Natural Balance dog food is manufactured in the USA, with ingredients carefully sourced from trusted global suppliers.
Ingredients List
Duck, Duck Meal, Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Rice Bran,...,
Canola Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Flaxseed, Brewers Dried Yeast, Natural Flavor, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Dl-Methionine, Taurine, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Ascorbic Acid, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin), Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate), Citric Acid (Preservative), Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Rosemary Extract.
Pros
- Extensive safety testing on every batch of the food.
- Owners report significant improvements in their dog’s skin health and digestion with this kibble.
- Unlike many other LID recipes, this dog food is grain-inclusive, adding more dietary balance.
Cons
- This recipe lacks joint support supplements or probiotics
- The recipe does not incorporate any produce in the ingredient list, but that is intentional for a limited ingredient design
If you’ve been thinking that your fur baby isn’t adjusting well to a new dog food, pause a moment!
It may not be that she is disagreeing with the new food but that the transition hasn’t been done correctly. A sudden switch from old to new food can play pandemonium with your pooch’s tummy.
For a smoother transition, gradually introduce the new food. Start with a mix of 1/4 new food and 3/4 old for a few days, then shift to a 50/50 ratio. Your next step would be to feed her 3/4 of the new food with 1/4 of the old before finally going all in with the new dog food.
These slow steps will facilitate an easier dietary change for your Chug.
Essential Factors in Choosing Dog Food
While a majority of contemporary dog foods will keep your Chug satiated and healthy, there are three primary considerations to bear in mind when selecting the ideal recipe for your adorable furball.
Simply put, you need to:
- Opt for a dog food explicitly designed in adherence to the nutritional guidelines set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) for your pet’s life stage. Complying with these well-structured guidelines guarantees the inclusion of all the requisite nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that your Chug requires for its specific life stage. Following this dietary protocol will ensure that your lovable Chug grows and matures holistically.
- Before settling on a specific dog food, seek advice from your vet. Based on your vet’s intimate understanding of your Chug’s health history, breed-specific dietary requirements, and any potential dietary restrictions, your vet will provide valuable insights. Additionally, your vet can wade through the confusing labyrinth of dog food labels, guiding you towards the most appropriate pick.
- If your Chug grapples with any particular health issues, make it a priority to select dog food that caters to these concerns. Manufacturers of dog food cater to a variety of health concerns, offering specialized formulas to tackle everything from joint issues to sensitive stomachs. By aligning your food choice with your Chug’s health condition, you can help alleviate her symptoms and contribute to enhancing her overall well-being.
Additional Considerations to Take Into Account When Selecting Dog Food
While the primary factors detailed above are the “gold standard” in choosing any dependable and reputable dog food, a few additional elements can make the difference between a satisfactory dog food and an outstanding one.
- Does the brand keep a canine nutritionist on the team? The presence of a dog nutrition expert is crucial as these professionals have specialized knowledge of a dog’s unique dietary needs. This ensures the dog food concocted is nutritionally balanced and suitable for your pup.
- How regular is the safety inspection routine? Consistent safety control checks are imperative to confirm that any brand’s manufacturing process meets hygiene and safety benchmarks. It also vouches for the freshness of ingredients and guards against the presence of harmful substances.
- Is the protein in the dog food cooked or pasteurized to eliminate pathogens? Protein sources must be cooked or pasteurized to exterminate harmful pathogens that might be lurking. Raw or inadequately cooked proteins can present a health threat to dogs.
- Is the production facility located in a Western country? The production locale can often signal the food’s quality. Western countries typically mandate strict regulations and enforce rigorous quality control measures for pet food production.
- Does the brand exclusively source ingredients from Western countries? The provenance of the ingredients could have a bearing on the quality of the dog food. Ingredients coursed through Western countries are frequently subject to more stringent quality regulations.
You can expand your knowledge on selecting an exceptional dog food by perusing our comprehensive guide on choosing a dog food to get the full details!
Best Dog Food for Chugs: FAQ
Still scratching your head about picking a food for your Chug? Have some general questions about the breed? We’ll help by answering some of the most common queries below!
What is the best food for Chugs?
The best food for your Chug will depend on her individual needs. However, Ollie is a great starting point for most adult Chugs, while Wellness Complete Health comes in great recipes for puppy and senior Chugs.
How often should I feed my Chug?
Mature Chugs should eat twice or thrice daily, but Chug puppies will thrive best when fed three or four times per day.
What is the average lifespan for Chugs?
A million factors can influence the lifespan of your Chug, but most will live for about 10 to 13 years if provided with good nutrition, plenty of exercise, and proper veterinary care.
Are Chug dogs healthy?
Chugs certainly can be healthy, but they can suffer from some of the problems that afflict their parent breeds, such as breathing issues and joint problems.
As we reach the tail end of our culinary journey, we hope you’ve found the perfect feast to keep your Chug chugging along happily. Just remember, while choosing dog food might seem ruff, it’s all for that wag in your Chug’s tail and the spring in her steps! Got a particular food that gets your Chug’s tail wagging every mealtime? We’d love to hear your experiences and your pet’s favorite in the comments!
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