Best Food for Maltipoos: What to Look For

What a Maltipoo inherits from its parents

A Maltipoo is a Maltese crossed with a Toy or Miniature Poodle, so adult size varies from about 5 to 20 pounds depending on the poodle parent. VCA lists the Maltese at 4 to 6 pounds and the Toy Poodle at 4 to 8 pounds, and notes the same three things about both: very small puppies are prone to hypoglycemia, adults gain weight easily from small snacks, and the breeds are prone to dental disease.

That makes size your first decision. A 6-pound Maltipoo and an 18-pound one need very different amounts of food, though both do well on a small-breed kibble. Feed for your dog's own adult weight, and ask your vet for a target when your puppy finishes growing. Tiny portions are easier to level in a small dog bowl or feeder than in an oversized one.

What to look for on the label

Choose a food with an AAFCO statement that it is complete and balanced for your dog's life stage. Small-breed formulas tend to have smaller kibble and higher calorie density, which suits dogs that eat little at a time. Because the portions are small, the difference between foods in calories per cup is magnified; check it rather than assuming.

Poodle-type coats can hide a thickening waist. VCA advises checking weight by feeling the body with your hands, because the coat disguises changes you would otherwise see. Ribs should be easy to feel under a thin layer of fat.

Feeding a Maltipoo puppy

Feed a food labeled complete and balanced for growth, in frequent small meals. VCA recommends frequent small meals rich in protein, fat and complex carbohydrates for very small puppies to help prevent hypoglycemia. Four meals a day is a typical start, tapering to two meals by about 6 to 12 months.

A tiny puppy that becomes weak, trembling, wobbly or unusually sleepy needs a vet the same day. The AKC suggests small breeds usually switch to adult food at around 7 to 9 months; larger Maltipoos with a Miniature Poodle parent may take a little longer.

Dental care, tear stains and picky eating

Brushing does more for small-breed teeth than any kibble. VCA notes that regular tooth brushing can largely prevent the periodontal problems toy breeds are prone to. Plan for it from puppyhood whatever food you buy.

Owners of light-colored Maltipoos often search for food to reduce tear staining. Staining has several causes, including tear duct shape and hair around the eyes, and a food change rarely resolves it; ask your vet if the area is red, wet or smelly. Picky eating is common in toy breeds and is often reinforced by offering new toppings each time a meal is refused.

What to avoid

Avoid free feeding, large treats, cheese and other rich human food, and kibble too large to crunch. If your Maltipoo gulps its small meals, a slow feeder bowl for small dogs, such as this slow-food pizza bowl, stretches out mealtime. A few bites of table food can be a large share of a tiny dog's daily calories. Avoid hard chews that can fracture small teeth.

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. Ask your vet before choosing 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.