Is Iams good for Pugs? As a new pet owner, it’s easy to wonder if Iams is good dog food and if they’ve had any recalls? In this article, we’ve taken the time to research everything you need to know about whether Iams, all you have to do is decide if it’s right for your four-legged friend.
Is IAMS Good For Pugs?
As long as your Pug doesn’t have any dietary issues that require specific foods, Iams can be good dog food for your Pug. However, don’t buy anything, until you finish reading this IAMS dog food review!
Iams offers recipes that are crafted for every life stage. They offer several different recipes for dogs with unique dietary needs. In addition, they create recipes for breed-specific dogs.
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IAMS Top Picks
Below, you’ll find some of the top sellers of the Iams dog food brands for small dog breeds. Be sure to read our full IAMS review below.
Pugs are prone to obesity and you can control their weight with the Iams ProActive Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food.
The IAMS Small Breed Dog Food is Made with farm-raised real chicken. Feed your Pug a powerhouse protein diet that will help build strong muscles.
Related: What Should You Feed A Pug?
Related: Is Beneful Good For Pugs?
A Look At IAMS Brand Dog Food
In 1946, Paul F. Iams a self-taught animal nutritionist, established the pet food company because he wanted to enhance the health of both cats and dogs. The first IAMS® animal-based protein product called IAMS 999 is launched.
He expanded the company into a well-known brand that is sold worldwide.
In 1969, Iams released its new product under the name of Eukanabu and in the years that followed, the company changed hands a number of times.
In 1999 the company was sold to Proctor & Gamble and then in 2014, the company was sold to Mars, Inc/
Today, Mars, Inc. has become one of the world’s largest pet food manufacturers and in 2013, they were ranked 5th in the Forbes’ list of America’s largest private companies. (source)
Related: Royal Canin Pug Puppy Food Review
Throughout the years, the dog food was improved based on formula research. In 1980 they introduced their first-ever pet life stages formula.
In the 2000’s they introduced their Premium Protection™, which is an addition of DHA to their puppy formulas to help with brain development.
They’ve continued testing and introducing new products such as; Purrfect Delicacies, Woof Delights, and Shakeables. In addition, they’ve been working hard to improve their overall packaging designs.
IAMS Dog Food Standards
According to its website, Iams is committed to the highest standards of quality and safety. They have some of the strictest food and safety standards that exceed the USDA and Food and Drug Administration standards.
Iams products are exposed to more than 100 defined quality control checks throughout the manufacturing process. In addition, they use some of the highest quality ingredients and unique patented recipes to ensure that your pet gets the best nutrition possible.
Is IAMS Made In The United States?
Mars Inc. produces the Iams Pet food and it is sold in more than 80 different countries. The Iams website states that their facilities exceed the FDA and USDA standards, however, they don’t give their consumers the specifics about the tests that are performed.
Iams has manufacturing facilities in North Carolina, Ohio, Nebraska, and a plant in the Netherlands for its international division.
IAMS Quick Facts
- Phone: 1 (800) 675-3849
- Email: N/A
- Company: IAMS
- Headquarters: 8700 South Mason Montgomery Road Mason, OH 45040, USA
Has IAMS Ever Been Recalled?
At the time of this writing, there is no active recall of the Iams dog food products. However, they have had a few recalls over the past decade or so. That being said, half of the past recalls were for their cat products rather than dog products.
Here’s a list of some of the recalls from the last 10 years:
March 2007, the FDA issued a Melamine recall for several of their Iams Flakes With Salmon In Sauce cat food products.
In June 2010, a recall was issued due to low levels of thiamine (Vitamin B1) for Iams ProActive Health canned Cat and kitten food of all varieties that were packaged in 3 oz, and 5.5 cans that were dated between August 2011 and June 2012.
March 2013, a recall was issued for potential mold growth that affected the 6 oz. Iams Shakeables Dog Treats.
August 2013, the FDA issued a recall due to salmonella, which affected various Iams dry dog foods which included: ProActive Healthy Large Chunks, Healthy Naturals Chicken ADult, Proactive Health Large Breed, Natural Weight Control for Adults, Proactive Health Small Breed, Adult Premium Protection Chicken.
IAMS Dog Food Ingredients
Every dog food bag will contain its own unique ingredients, that’s why it’s important to read the label before feeding your pooch. However, some of the most common ingredients in the Iams brand dog food are:
Beet Pulp
This is an important fiber that helps support healthy intestinal health. Beet Pulp is the material that is left over after the sugar is extracted from the sugar beets.
Chicken
Iams dog food is based on an animal-based protein to help build and maintain muscle structure. Your dog will enjoy the flavor while digesting vital amino acids that are required.
Corn
This is a combination of carbohydrates that consists of cornmeal, that helps improve and maintain your dog’s energy levels.
Fruits And Vegetables
Iams utilizes wholesome fruits and vegetables that contain essential antioxidants such as; vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and carotenoids.
IAMS Dog Food Formulas Offered
They offer several different dog food recipes for all stages of life. If you have a picky Pug, you should be able to find something that they love eating.
I’ve listed some of the dog food formulas that can be found on their website below:
Iams Proactive Health Small & Toy Breed Adult Dog Food: This food is designed for small breed dogs that are 20 lbs or less. It is made with real chicken, veggies and wholesome grains.
Iams Adult Minichunks Proactive Health: Designed for adult dogs that prefer smaller-sized kibble.
Proactive Health Dog Food For Large Breeds: It is specially formulated for big dogs to help provide balanced nutrition and natural sources of glucosamine to help support healthy joints.
Lamb & Rice Dog Recipe for Adults: This formula is designed for adult dogs.
Adult With Beef & Rice: Designed for active dogs that love the taste of real beef.
Smart Puppy & Toy Breed: Is veterinarian recommended for small and toy breed dogs that are 20lbs or less.
Smart Puppy Proactive Healthy Large Breed: Specially formulated to provide balanced nutrition for your large breed pup.
Mature Adult Small & Toy Breed Dog Food: This mature adult dry dog food is veterinarian recommended for small and toy breed dogs. It is formulated with antioxidants to help boost the immune system of older dogs.
Mature Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food: Formulated to support the overall wellness of older large breed dogs.
Adult Healthy Weight Made With Real Chicken: Made with 17% less fat to help return your adult dog back to a healthy weight.
What About IAMS Wet Food?
You can find several different flavors of Iams wet dog food that allow you to give your dog a taste of a home-cooked meal.
Here are some of the wet dog food recipes you can feed Fido:
- With Lamb And Rice Pate
- Chicken And Whole Grain Rice Pate
- Beef And Rice Pate
- Puppy With Chicken And Rice Pate
- Senior Slow Cooked Chicken And Rice Pate
IAMS Breed Specific Dog Food
Iams offers nutrition that is tailored for specific dog breeds to ensure that your pooch gets the nutritional requirements their bodies need.
At the time of this writing, you can find the following breed-specific dog foods:
- German Shepherd
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Chihuahua
- Labrador Retriever
- Bulldog
- Dschund
IAMS Dog Food Sizes
The Iams dog food products can be found in 7 to 40 lb bags. According to Iams, their dry cat and dog food have a shelf life of up to 16 months. The canned and pouch formulas have a shelf life of 24 months.
What Pugs Will Benefit From IAMS?
Healthy Pugs: Most healthy Pugs will enjoy eating any of the small-sized kibble flavored Iams dog food, excluding those that are specifically made for puppies and senior dogs.
Puppies: Iams offers formulas that are specifically formulated for puppies. Make sure that you choose from the Smart Puppy Small & Toy Breed or the Smart Puppy Proactive Health.
Overweight Pugs: If your Pug loves eating and has put on too much weight, they can benefit from Adult Healthy Weight dry dog food to help you control their weight.
Senior Pugs: Older Pugs will benefit from eating the Iams Mature Adult dog food that will help maintain your dog’s overall health and joint care. Here are some more different brands of dry dog foods for Pugs you should check out.
Where To Buy IAMS Dog Food?
This dog food can be purchased conveniently at your local retailers such as Walmart, and Target. It is also sold at most of your local pet stores such as PetCo, Petsmart as well as online retailers.
Below you’ll find some direct links to the most recommended IAMS dog Food Formulas from both Amazon and Chewy to help you get the cheapest price available.
IAMS Dog Food Review
Iams Proactive Health Adult Small Dry Dog Food is designed for small dogs that enjoy the taste of real chicken. This product comes in a 3.3 lb, 7lb, or 15 lb bag.
Your furbaby will love the taste and you’ll love their healthy skin and soft coat, thanks to the omega fatty acids.
Pros
- Hearth Healthy: It has 7 essential nutrients to promote a healthy heart.
- Omega-6 Fatty Acids: Will support healthy skin and coat.
- Protein: It contains high-quality animal protein to help build strong bones and muscles.
- No: Artificla flavors, preservatives, or fillers.
- Tailor-Made For Small Dogs: Veterinarian recommended for small dog breeds nutritional needs.
Cons
- Diarrhea: One of the reviewers said their dog got sick and had black stringy stools after switching to Iams from another dog food. When transitioning your dog to new dog food, make sure you do it slowly.
The IAMS Small Breed Dog Food is Made with farm-raised real chicken. Feed your Pug a powerhouse protein diet that will help build strong muscles.
#2 IAMS Mature Dry Dog Food For Small Breeds
Iams Mature Proactive Health Dry Dog Food For Small Breeds brings out the best in your senior Pug. It is designed for dogs that are at least 7 years and older and up to 20 pounds.
This recipe contains vitamin E and beta-carotene that is designed to boost the immune system in older dogs.
Pros
- Healthy Metabolism: L-carnitine helps burn fat and maintains healthy metabolism.
- Healthy Digestion: It contains a blend of prebiotics, fiber, and beet pulp to support an overall healthy digestive system.
- Real Chicken Is the first ingredient and features Iams DHA Gold that helps encourage alertness and mental sharpness in senior dogs.
- Kibble: Small kibble that your Pug won’t have trouble chewing and will love. In addition, it will help keep their teeth clean and tartar free.
Cons
- Picky Eaters: According to a review online, their picky eater didn’t like the taste and would eat the Rachel Ray dog food and not the Iams.
Your senior Pug deserves special nutritional needs and IAMS Mature Dog Food is made with real farm-raised chicken to help keep your pet's joints and bones healthy.
#3 Iams ProActive Smart Puppy Dry Dog Food
Your puppy will love the Iams ProActive Heart Smart Puppy Food for Small & Toy Breeds. It is formulated with Omega-3 DHA to make your puppy smarter and more trainable.
It is recommended for puppies that are 1-12 months of age and up to 20 pounds.
Pros
- Developing Bones: It contains all the essential minerals and protein to build strong muscles.
- Kibble: Designed for small dogs to maximize chewing while keeping their teeth clean and tartar-free.
- Immune System: Enriched with vital antioxidants to help support a healthy immune system.
- Protein: Sourced with high-quality real chicken and eggs.
- Healthy: This dry dog food is veterinarian recommended.
Cons
- Sickness: Some dog owners experienced their puppy getting diarrhea after eating this brand.
IAMS Puppy Dry Dog Food provides your Pug puppy with all the nutrients their growing bodies need. It features 22 key ingredients to help your growing pup!
#4 Iams Proactive Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food
This breed is prone to obesity and you can help control their weight with the Iams ProActive Healthy Weight Dog Food for Adults. Your pooch will love the taste of real-farm raised chicken and you’ll love that it has less than 17% fat than Iams Minichunks recipe.
Pros
- 17% less fat than Iams Minichunks Recipe to help manage weight.
- Packed with natural prebiotics and fiber to improve digestion.
- No artificial flavors or preservatives.
- Contains L-carnitine to help improve metabolism.
Cons
- A little pricier than other recipes but can help overweight dogs.
Pugs are prone to obesity and you can control their weight with the Iams ProActive Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food.
Final Word On Is IAMS Safe For Pugs
Based on our research, we would recommend IAMS as good high-quality dog food that is extremely affordable.
Every dog is different and every dog will respond differently to their new diet. If you’re not sure what brand of dog food to feed your Pug, I highly recommend consulting your vet.
Now, you just have to make the difficult choice of whether or not you want to feed your Pug IAMS!
References And Further Reading
IAMS – 60 Years Of Nutritional Excellence – The IAMS Story
FDA – FDA Regulation of Pet Food