When it comes to pampering your pug, nothing brings more tail wags than a delicious treat. But as much as pugs love food (and boy, do they ever), it's essential to choose treats that are not only tasty but also healthy and safe for their unique needs. Pugs are a brachycephalic breed prone to obesity, allergies, and digestive issues—so being selective about what goes into their snack stash is crucial.
Whether you're training your pug, rewarding good behavior, or just spoiling them a little (okay, a lot), here’s your ultimate guide to the best treats for pugs—treats that are both healthy and delicious.
🦴 Why Choosing the Right Treat Matters for Pugs
Pugs are known for their lovable personalities and insatiable appetites. But their adorable round frames and flat faces come with some health considerations:
- Weight management: Pugs can easily pack on the pounds, so low-calorie treats are a must.
- Allergies: Many pugs suffer from food sensitivities, especially to grains or certain proteins.
- Dental health: Dental treats can help combat tartar buildup in those small but mighty mouths.
- Breathing issues: Because of their short snouts, treats that are soft and easy to chew are ideal.
The best treats for pugs take all of these factors into account—balancing flavor, texture, nutrition, and portion size.
🥕 Top Healthy Treat Ingredients for Pugs
When shopping for or making pug treats, look for these pug-safe, vet-approved ingredients:
- Sweet Potatoes – High in fiber and vitamins, gentle on digestion.
- Pumpkin – A natural source of fiber and great for digestive support.
- Blueberries – Packed with antioxidants and low in calories.
- Carrots – Crunchy, sweet, and great for dental health.
- Oats – A gentle grain that's less likely to cause allergies.
- Salmon – A source of omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and coats.
- Chicken or Turkey – Lean proteins that are easy to digest.
Avoid anything with artificial additives, added sugars, or high sodium content.
🐾 The Best Types of Treats for Pugs
Let’s break down the best treat categories and specific examples that are ideal for your squishy-faced best friend.
1. Soft & Chewy Training Treats
Perfect for teaching tricks or reinforcing good behavior. These are small, low-calorie, and easy to chew.
Top Picks:
- Zuke’s Mini Naturals Chicken Recipe
- Wellness Soft Puppy Bites
- Bocce’s Bakery Soft & Chewy Treats
Why pugs love them: They’re bite-sized and pack a punch of flavor—without too many calories.
2. Dental Treats for Fresh Breath & Clean Teeth
Pugs are prone to dental issues, so incorporating dental chews a few times a week can support oral health.
Top Picks:
- Greenies Dental Dog Treats (Petite Size)
- Whimzees Natural Dental Chews
- Ark Naturals Brushless Toothpaste Chews
Why pugs love them: Tasty enough to be considered a treat, with added dental benefits!
3. Homemade Pug-Safe Treats
If you love DIY and want to ensure only the best ingredients, try making treats at home.
Easy Recipe: Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Pug Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin (unsweetened)
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free!)
- 1 cup oat flour
Mix ingredients, roll into small balls, flatten slightly, and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
Why pugs love them: You made them with love (and peanut butter).
4. Freeze-Dried Single-Ingredient Treats
These are great for sensitive stomachs or dogs with allergies. They’re pure protein and nothing else.
Top Picks:
- PureBites Freeze-Dried Chicken Breast
- Stewart Freeze-Dried Liver Treats
- Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Minnows
Why pugs love them: Full flavor, no fillers.
5. Low-Calorie Veggie Snacks
For weight-conscious pugs, veggies can be a great crunchy alternative.
Best Veggie Options:
- Baby carrots (raw or steamed)
- Green beans (steamed, no salt)
- Cucumber slices
- Apple slices (no seeds!)
Why pugs love them: Natural sweetness and satisfying crunch.
❌ Treats to Avoid Giving Your Pug
Some treats can do more harm than good. Avoid:
- Rawhide chews – Can pose choking hazards and digestive issues.
- High-fat chews (like pig ears) – Too greasy for sensitive stomachs.
- Sugary treats or human snacks – Cookies, candy, and chips are off-limits.
- Artificially colored or flavored treats – Linked to allergic reactions and hyperactivity.
- Anything with xylitol – This sugar substitute is toxic to dogs.
Always read ingredient labels carefully!
🎁 Treats from the Pug Box
At PugBoxes.com, we carefully select treats that match pug-friendly criteria. Every month, your pug gets:
- All-natural, USA-made treats
- Grain-free and allergy-conscious options
- Tail-wagging taste tested by our in-house pugs
Example box treats:
- Apple Bacon Soft Bites
- Turkey & Sweet Potato Jerky
- Chewy Peanut Butter Training Squares
And don’t worry—we always avoid artificial junk and questionable ingredients. Your pug deserves the best!
📏 Portion Control: How Many Treats Should a Pug Eat?
As a rule of thumb, treats should make up no more than 10% of your pug’s daily calorie intake. For an average pug weighing around 18–22 pounds, that’s about 30–60 treat calories per day.
Tips to manage portions:
- Break treats into smaller bits
- Use training sessions to “earn” treats
- Swap treats for veggies when possible
🧠 Bonus Tip: Use Treats for Mental Stimulation
Pugs love to be mentally engaged. Use your treats as part of enrichment activities like:
- Puzzle toys
- Treat-dispensing balls
- Hide-and-seek games
Not only does this reduce boredom, but it also helps slow down eating and encourages problem-solving.
🐶 Final Thoughts: Healthy Treats, Happy Pugs
Choosing the right treats for your pug can enhance their health, happiness, and bond with you. With so many pug-friendly options—from soft chews to freeze-dried bites—you don’t have to compromise on flavor or nutrition.
By focusing on healthy ingredients, avoiding harmful additives, and practicing portion control, you can keep your pug’s tail wagging and tummy satisfied.
Want to make it easy? Let us deliver the best treats to your door every month with a Pug Box subscription!
✅ Shop Pug-Safe Treats Now!
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Every box is curated with your pug’s health (and taste buds) in mind.
