Best Food for Maltese Dogs: What to Look For

What matters most for a Maltese

The scale is tiny. VCA Animal Hospitals lists the Maltese at 4 to 6 pounds and 9 to 10 inches tall, with a lifespan of 12 to 14 years, and notes that small snacks can add up to excess calories quickly. A single bite of cheese is a much bigger share of a Maltese's day than of a Labrador's. Measured meals in a small slow feeder bowl are one way to pace a Maltese that eats too fast.

Choose a food with an AAFCO statement that it is complete and balanced for your dog's life stage, in a kibble small enough to crunch. Toy and small-breed formulas tend to fit, though what counts is the size and calorie density of the kibble rather than a breed name on the bag.

Feeding a Maltese puppy

VCA notes that very small Maltese puppies are prone to hypoglycemia, a serious drop in blood sugar, and that frequent small meals high in protein, fat and complex carbohydrates may help guard against it. Use a puppy food labeled complete and balanced for growth, and offer it about four times a day while the puppy is young.

Weakness, trembling, wobbling or unusual sleepiness in a tiny puppy needs a vet the same day. The AKC suggests small breeds usually move to adult food at around 7 to 9 months, but ask your vet before switching a very small puppy.

Dental health and texture

VCA lists periodontal disease as a breed concern and says regular tooth brushing can largely prevent it. Crowded teeth in a small jaw trap food, so plan to brush several times a week whatever you feed. Soft and wet foods are fine nutritionally but make home dental care more important.

Many Maltese owners mix a spoonful of wet food into dry for flavor, serving it in a pizza-style slow feeder for a small mouth. That works if you subtract the wet food's calories from the dry portion. Seniors who have lost teeth may need softened kibble or wet food entirely; your vet can advise after a dental check.

Tear stains, coat and picky eating

White coats show tear staining, and owners often look for a food to fix it. Staining has several causes, including tear duct shape and hair around the eyes, and VCA advises keeping hair out of the eyes to avoid irritation. Combing out the long white coat with a gentle dog brush also helps keep hair out of the eyes. A food change rarely resolves staining on its own; have the eyes checked if they are red, wet or smelly.

Picky eating is common in toy breeds and often learned. Offer a measured meal for 15 to 20 minutes, then remove it until the next meal, rather than adding new toppings each time. Do not use this approach with a young puppy, a dog with health problems, or any dog that has stopped eating entirely; call your vet.

What to avoid

Avoid free feeding, large treats, rich human food, kibble too big to crunch, and hard chews that can fracture small teeth. Buzzwords such as holistic, natural or premium have no nutritional definition.

The WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee suggests asking any food maker whether it employs a qualified nutritionist, who formulates its diets and what quality control it runs. Talk to your vet before trying grain-free, raw or home-made diets.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.