If you cook out then you know steak makes your Pugs mouth salivate. But can Pugs eat steak? If so, does it need to prepared differently than you cook yours? We’ve done the research to help you find out everything you need to know about feeding your dog steak.
Can Pugs Eat Steak?
Yes, as long as it is fed in moderation and it is cooked properly without any seasonings such as garlic, onion, salt, and etc. That being said, a dog needs much more than just meat (cooked or raw) in their daily diet.
This high-quality kibble is designed specifically for small breeds and will ensure that your pup gets a well-balanced diet. As a dog owner, it’s important to know what Pugs like to eat and which foods are bad for them. Unfortunately, there is a huge list of human foods you shouldn’t feed a Pug.
Note: This article is written by someone who owned a Pug for 16 years, not a veterinarian, and shouldn’t be a substitute for professional advice. If your Pug has eaten something potentially dangerous or is showing signs of illness, you should contact your vet immediately!
Are There Any Benefits To Feeding Steak To Pugs?
Yes, beef is a great source of protein, which can help improve your dog’s energy. The fatty acids in steak can help support healthy joints, maintain muscle tone, and keep your dog’s coat shiny.
Grass-fed beef contains more omega-3s than regular beef. So what is grass-fed steak?
What Is Grass-Fed Steak?
Basically it is beef that is produced from cows that are mostly grass-fed. It contains less cholesterol and has more antioxidants, Vitamins A and E than any other type of meat.
Unfortunately, there have not been enough studies to determine whether or not grass-fed steak is better for cats and dogs, vs conventional meat.
Is Steak Safe For Pugs?
Yes, as long as it is grilled, pan-fried, or seared to at least a medium to keep your dog safe. Skip all the seasonings you like to use such as salt, pepper, olive oil, and steak seasoning, you want to keep it plain for Fido.
In fact, salt can be extremely toxic to dogs and you should avoid feeding them salty foods like french fries, bacon, sausage and etc.
The Dangers Of Feeding Steak To Your Pug
Regardless of what you feed your Pug, there are always risks and dangers such as choking from swallowing too fast. Make sure you cut the steak into bite size pieces before feeding it to your pooch.
Feeding your dog too much can cause an upset tummy and result in vomiting and diarrhea.
Another danger is exposing your pooch to salmonella and listeria, which can be found in raw meat. Always use a good thermometer to ensure the meat is properly cooked before feeding it to your pooch.
Can Pugs Eat Raw Steak?
No, both the FDA and CDC have said that it is not safe for humans or animals. All raw meat contains bacteria that can make your dog seriously ill. If your four-legged friend managed to get a hold of raw steak from the grill, she most likely will be fine as long as she doesn’t have a compromised immune system or other underlying problems.
Many pet owners feed their dog’s raw meat, this is why raw diets are so popular. Dog’s can digest raw meat, but it doesn’t mean that you should feed it to them.
It’s best to avoid feeding your Pug raw meat, just to be on the safe side.
Can Pugs Eat Cooked Steak?
Yes, as long as it is cooked to an internal temp of 135° or more to remove all the harmful bacterias that can make your dog sick.
Let the meat rest and cool to room temperature before giving it to your pup.
Can Pugs Eat Steak Sauce?
No, it is usually made from vinegar, raisins, tomatoes, and other spices that can be harmful to dogs. Unlike humans, dogs don’t need their steak seasoned with anything.
Can Pugs Eat Steak Bones?
Yes dogs can chew on a T-Bone steak as long as has not been cooked. Many pet owners will feed their dogs raw bones with meat on them, because they are easily digestable and won’t splinter like cooked bones.
Never feed your dog cooked bones as they can splinter and cause a deadly blockage.
The downside is that raw bones can carry harmful bacteria such as e-Coli, salmonella, and listeria. If you do give your pooch a raw steak bone, make sure you keep an eye on them and throw it away once they are done.
An uneaten bone can spoil in just a few days and can cause your dog to become ill.
Bones have also been known to break a dog’s teeth or cut their gums when they chew it excessively. Personally, I’d rather share a small piece of unseasoned steak with my dog than give them a bone to gnaw on.
What About The Fat?
No, fatty foods can cause pancreatitis in dogs. If you do feed them some of the fat trimmings, make sure that it’s a very small amount. A small amount won’t hurt your dog, but just don’t feed it to them every day.
Fat is difficult for dogs to digest and should not be a regular part of their diet.
How Often Can Pugs Eat Steak?
Very rarely and it should only be done on a special occasion such as their birthday. Your dog should only get 10% of their calories from treats, snacks, and human food. The majority of their calories should come from their regular dog food.
Always consult with your veterinarian before adding new foods to your dog’s diet. Introduce any new food gradually to ensure your dog doesn’t have an allergic reaction to it.
How To Serve Steak For Your Pug?
Pugs are not picky eaters and will gladly eat a piece of steak directly from your hand. However, here are some other ways to feed it to them.
- As a topping for their regular dry food (shred it into pieces)
- Give it to them in a small bowl as a special treat
- Along with their regular dog food. (make sure you remove any bones, and excess fat)
Whenever you introduce a new food into their diet, it’s important to monitor them for any side effects or behavioral changes.
Alternatives To Steak For Pugs
If your pup gets excited whenever they see you grilling steak, you may want to consider feeding them some of these other healthy options.
- Salmon
- Tuna
Final Word On Feeding Pugs Steak
Cooked steak is not bad for your Pug, as long as you take safety precautions and cook to a safe internal temperature to avoid potentially dangerous contamination.
Make sure you’re feeding your pup the freshest quality meats!
References And Further Reading
Healthline – Grass-Fed vs Grain-Fed Beef – What’s The Difference?