Pug-specific food by Royal Canin

[PugLady3]

Feeding just canned food is not really good for your dogs teeth...tarter builds up much quicker...they need dry food to get their teeth cleaned and kept in good shape

I'm sorry but I have to disagree. Kibble does not do anything to "clean" the teeth - especially on pugs who tend to swallow their food whole instead of chewing it. If they do happen to chew their kibble, it is only making contact with the edges of their teeth and not along the gum line, where plaque and tartar are prone to build up. Regular brushing, access to chew bones, & veterinary cleanings are the best way to keep their teeth in good shape.

[miss_emily]

I'm sorry but I have to disagree. Kibble does not do anything to "clean" the teeth - especially on pugs who tend to swallow their food whole instead of chewing it. If they do happen to chew their kibble, it is only making contact with the edges of their teeth and not along the gum line, where plaque and tartar are prone to build up. Regular brushing, access to chew bones, & veterinary cleanings are the best way to keep their teeth in good shape.

Agreed. Most dogs don't even chew their food, and what they do chew doesn't do anything for the teeth. The best way is to brush, minimally 3 days a week and ideally daily. It takes 3 days for plaque to calcify into hard tarter that can only be plucked off or taken off by a dental cleaning. I also really like the CET chews sold at veterinarians (and Virbac, the company makes all of the dental supplies we use on our dental cleanings). It's easily digestible and has some chlorhex on it, which if I skimp on the chews, I do noticed a greater buildup of plaque and tarter (Thankfully Frank loves his teeth brushed and lets me scale his teeth at work).

I think RC isn't terrible...certainly beneful, kibbles N Bits, Pedigree and few others are much worse than RC. I personally like the holistics with a lot of other people on here and have noticed a difference in my dog. I think if you're not willing to put in a few extra bucks for food, I would stick with Purina One or Purina ProPlan. ProPland is Purina's highest quality food, and they have some good varieties out there.