Tiny but fearless, affectionate but playfully curious, the Maltese is the ultimate companion dog. This toy breed is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, and as such, is well-adapted to both humans and other animals. They’re easy to take care of as they’re such people-pleasers if trained properly, but don’t let the innocent appearance of this pup deceive you – they are lively, spunky little dogs who are not afraid to challenge those larger than them!
Malteses do love to be pampered though, so it can be a bit difficult to find the right dog food for them. For these dogs, nutritious and good-quality foods are just a part of the puzzle – to please them, you need to find a food that lives up to their high standards. It needs to be delicious, full of flavor and easily digestible. Plus, there are a few health problems you need to look out for and make sure the dog food is actually working for your Maltese’s health and wellbeing, not against it. To help you find foods that do just that, we’ve done our research –below, you can find the best dog foods for Malteses that are delicious, nutritious and budget-friendly!
The Best Dog Food for Maltese
1 Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Adult
- Brand: Blue Buffalo
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Barley
- Primary Proteins: Chicken
- Calories: 397 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Chicken & Brown Rice
- Life Stage: Adult
In order to be healthy and happy, Maltese dogs require a balanced ratio of macronutrients – protein, fat and carbohydrates. This dog food from Blue Buffalo is formulated specifically for small and toy breed dogs such as the Maltese, so it’s our first choice. Chicken and brown rice recipe make for a delicious and healthy meal, guaranteed to satisfy your little furry companion.
This kibble features protein-rich, deboned chicken as its first ingredient, as well as whole grains, rich in vitamins and minerals, and various vegetables and fruits. Basically, it’s a health-bomb for dogs! Of course, the kibble is also enhanced with minerals and vitamins and contains a unique blend of added antioxidants, which all help support the Maltese’s immune system and healthy muscle development.
There are no by-product meats here, so you know exactly what you’re buying. Also, the kibble is corn, wheat and soy free, as well as artificial flavors and preservatives free.
For more information on the brand, check out our Blue Buffalo Dog Food Review.
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Barley, Menhaden Fish Meal (Source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Flaxseed (Source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids), Natural Flavor, Pea Starch, Dried Tomato Pomace, Peas, Pea Protein, Dried Egg Product, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Potatoes, Dried Chicory Root, Pea Fiber, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, Dl-Methionine, Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Garlic, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Vegetable Juice For Color, Ferrous Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), L-Carnitine, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), L-Lysine, Copper Sulfate, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Sulfate, Taurine, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Calcium Iodate, Dried Yeast, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus Niger Fermentation Extract, Dried Trichoderma Longibrachiatum Fermentation Extract, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Extract, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Sodium
2 Wellness CORE Grain-Free Small Breed Dog Food
- Brand: Wellness CORE
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Lentils, Peas
- Primary Protein Source: Turkey & Chicken
- Calories: 412 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Turkey
- Life Stage: Adult
If your Maltese has a sensitive stomach and maybe even some food allergies, it’s a good idea to feed her only grain-free, good-quality foods. That’s where the Wellness Core Small Breed dog food can help you – this kibble contains only the best of ingredients, no grains of any kind, and is a favorite food of many Malteses as it’s so darn delicious!
This is a deboned turkey, turkey meal and chicken meal recipe, meaning a kibble that is rich in protein, perfect for dogs with high energy needs. Besides good-quality meats, it contains a bunch of healthy whole foods, such as spinach, broccoli, carrots, apples, blueberries, flaxseed, sweet potatoes and others. It’s also fortified with vitamins and minerals, so it’s guaranteed to offer a nutritionally complete meal every time.
Since this is a by-product, wheat, corn and soy-free kibble, that’s also free of artificial colors, flavors and preservatives, it’s perfect for Malteses with sensitive stomachs.
Take a look at our Wellness Core Dog Food Review.
Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal (source of Glucosamine), Chicken Meal (source of Chondroitin Sulfate), Lentils, Peas, Dried Ground Potatoes, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Tomato Pomace, Ground Flaxseed, Natural Chicken Flavor, Salmon Oil, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Spinach, Broccoli, Carrots, Parsley, Apples, Blueberries, Kale, Spearmint, Zinc Proteinate, Mixed Tocopherols added to preserve freshness, Zinc Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, Niacin, Iron Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Chicory Root Extract, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.
3 Nutro Natural Choice Puppy Dry Dog Food
- Brand: Nutro
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Barley, Brewers Rice, Whole Grain Brown Rice
- Primary Proteins: Chicken & Barley
- Calories: 390 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Chicken & Brown Rice
- Life Stage: Puppy
All puppies need a healthy, nutrient-rich diet to help them grow strong and healthy, and Maltese puppies are no exception. With a perfect ratio of protein, fat and carbs, this Nutro Wholesome Essentials is one of the best foods for Maltese puppies on the market as it’s specially formulated for small breed pups.
Made with farm-raised chicken, brown rice, sweet potatoes and a unique blend of whole grains, veggies and fruits, this kibble is a perfect Maltese puppy food. There’s plenty of protein for proper muscle development and lots of healthy fats for shiny and smooth coat and healthy skin. The formula is enhanced with vitamins and minerals and is specially fortified with calcium for strong bones and joints.
The kibble is free from artificial colors, flavors and preservatives.
Check out our review of Nutro Dog Foods.
Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Barley, Brewers Rice, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Potato Protein, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Rice Bran, Natural Flavor, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Fish Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Salt, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Citric Acid (preservative), Mixed Tocopherols (preservative), Chia Seed, Dried Coconut, Dried Tomato Pomace, Dried Egg Product, Dried Pumpkin, Dried Kale, Dried Spinach, Vitamin E Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Sodium Selenite, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), D-Calcium Pantothenate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Manganous Oxide, Potassium Iodide, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.
4 Blue Buffalo Wilderness Small Breed Chicken Dog Food
- Brand: Blue Buffalo
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Pea Protein, Peas, Tapioca Starch
- Primary Proteins: Chicken
- Calories: 425 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Chicken
- Life Stage: Adult
Like all Blue Buffalo dog foods, this Wilderness formula is inspired by the diet of wolves, who are true omnivores. The kibble is grain-free and specifically made for small breed adult dogs, so it’s a great choice if your Maltese has food sensitivities.
The Blue Wilderness is made with chicken, sweet potatoes, peas, blueberries, cranberries and carrots, so it’s a perfect blend of complex carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Besides real chicken, chicken meal and fish meal are also there to boost the protein content. The kibble also contains added vitamins and minerals, so it’s a nutritionally complete dog food that you can trust.
The are no poultry by-product meals present, nor is there corn, wheat or soy. The food is also free from artificial flavors and preservatives.
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine), Pea Protein, Peas, Tapioca Starch, Menhaden Fish Meal (source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Dried Egg Product, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Flaxseed (source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids), Natural Flavor, Dried Tomato Pomace, Pea Starch, Direct Dehydrated Alfalfa Pellets, DL-Methionine, Salt, Potatoes, Dried Chicory Root, Pea Fiber, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Potassium Chloride, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Vegetable Juice for color, Ferrous Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), L-Carnitine, Copper Sulfate, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), L-Lysine, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Sulfate, Taurine, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Calcium Iodate, Dried Yeast, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Sodium Selenite, Oil of Rosemary.
5 Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- Brand: Merrick
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned Beef, Lamb Meal, Salmon Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes
- Primary Proteins: Beef, Lamb & Salmon
- Calories: 395 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Beef & Sweet Potato
- Life Stage: Adult
If your tiny pooch has the energy and appetite of a large dog, you need to check out the new Lil’ Plates recipes by Merrick. High in protein and healthy fats, this kibble is guaranteed to keep your energetic pup satisfied and happy.
This particular formula is made of real Texas beef and sweet potatoes. It also contains a few other, healthy and tasty ingredients, including lamb and salmon meal, peas, apples, blueberries, flaxseed and salmon oil. All in all, this is a colorful and flavorful combination of food that is sure to keep your pup properly nourished. But of course, that’s not all – the kibble is also enriched with vitamins and minerals and contains added probiotics for healthy digestion. Merrick Lil’ Plates Real Beef & Sweet Potato is one of 8 dry recipes included in our review of Merrick Dog Food.
Deboned Beef, Lamb Meal, Salmon Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Peas, Potato Protein, Whitefish Meal, Pork Fat, Natural Flavor, Pea Protein, Sunflower Oil, Flaxseed, Chicory Root (Source Of Inulin), Potassium Chloride, Salt, Organic Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Choline Chloride, Apples, Blueberries, Salmon Oil, Minerals (Iron Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Cobalt Proteinate, Cobalt Carbonate), Taurine, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Acetate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Folic Acid, Niacin, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex, Biotin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Mixed Tocopherols For Freshness, Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product, Citric Acid For Freshness, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product. 2B26003
6 Wellness Small Breed Complete Health Adult Dog Food
- Brand: Wellness
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Chicken Meal, Salmon Meal, Oatmeal, Rice, Barley
- Primary Proteins: Turkey, Chicken & Barley
- Calories: 341 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Turkey & Brown Rice
- Life Stage: Adult
If your adult Maltese is starting to gain weight but you don’t want to deprive him of good, delicious food, definitely take a look at Wellness Complete Health dog food that is specifically formulated for breeds that need some help with their weight.
This kibble contains tasty, nutrient-rich foods such as turkey, chicken meal, oatmeal, barley, brown rice, tomates, carrots, spinach, blueberries, apples and others, but is not high in calories. Instead, this unique blend of ingredients helps maintain a healthy weight in small breed dogs such as the Maltese. To provide a balanced and complete nutrition, the food is fortified with vitamins and minerals and contains plenty of fiber and probiotics for healthy digestion.
There are no meat by-products here, artificial preservatives or flavors.
Deboned Turkey, Chicken Meal, Salmon Meal, Oatmeal, Rice, Barley, Ground Brown Rice, Oats, Tomato Pomace, Ground Flaxseed, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols),Tomatoes, Pea Fiber, Salmon Oil, Natural Chicken Flavor, Carrots, Spinach, Potassium Chloride, Sweet Potatoes, Blueberries, Apples, Choline Chloride, Mixed Tocopherols added to preserve freshness, L-Carnitine, Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Chicory Root Extract, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Taurine, Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Chondroitin Sulfate, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract. This is a naturally preserved product.
7 Halo Holistic Chicken Small Breed Dry Dog Food
- Brand: Halo
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Dried Egg Product, Dried Peas, Oatmeal
- Primary Proteins: Chicken, Peas
- Calories: 413 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Chicken & Chicken Liver
- Life Stage: Adult
The Halo Pets is well-known for its good-quality ingredients in pet foods, and this particular formula, Halo Holistic for Small Breed Dogs, is no exception. Made with wholesome, nutrient-rich ingredients, this dog food features small, dense bites, perfect for smaller canines such the Maltese.
This dog food is made from whole chicken and chicken liver and contains a few nourishing grains, fruits and veggies, which all combined make this kibble healthy, tasty and easily digestible. Halo makes a point of using only natural, non-GMO ingredients, as well as real meat, so you’ll find only good-quality ingredients here. Of course, the food is also enriched with important minerals and vitamins, so it’s a nutritionally complete dog food all around.
The Halo Holistic doesn’t contain meat meal of any kind and is free of artificial flavors, colors and preservatives.
Chicken, Chicken Liver, Dried Egg Product, Dried Peas, Oatmeal, Pearled Barley, Pea Protein, Soy Protein Concentrate, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), flaxseed, Pea fiber, Natural flavor, Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Sulfate, Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product, Dried Blueberries, Dried Cranberries, Dried Carrots, Dried Sweet Potatoes, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Dried Golden Algae, Inulin, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin), Potassium Chloride, Minerals (Zinc Methionine Complex, Zinc Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate, Ethylenediamine Dihydroiodide), Taurine, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), L-Carnitine.
8 ORIJEN Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- Brand: ORIJEN
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Turkey, Atlantic Flounder, Whole Atlantic Mackerel, Turkey Giblets
- Primary Proteins: Turkey, Chicken & Poultry
- Calories: 417 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Turkey, Chicken, Poultry, Seafood & Fish
- Life Stage: Senior
One of the best senior dog foods on the market, the Orijen is a perfect choice for an older Maltese. Granted, this dog food is more expensive than the rest of the foods featured on our list, but when the ingredients are this good? Totally worth it.
The Orijen Senior is a grain-free dog food that contains great-quality meat and fish, including deboned chicken and deboned turkey as its main protein sources and whole Atlantic mackerel and herring. Besides these ingredients, this protein-rich kibble contains a wide array of healthy ingredients, including whole green peas, navy beans, red lentils, chickpeas, butternut squash, kale, spinach, and many others. All in all, a true feast for dogs. ORIJEN Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is one of the best dog food recipes presented in our Orijen Dog Food Review.
What you won’t find in any Orijen’s dog foods are fillers, artificial flavors or colors. And because there are so many different, nutrient-rich ingredients, the kibble contains only one added supplement – zinc.
Chicken, Turkey, Atlantic Flounder, Whole Atlantic Mackerel, Turkey Giblets (Liver, Heart, Gizzard), Chicken Liver, Eggs, Whole Atlantic Herring, Dehydrated Chicken, Dehydrated Turkey, Dehydrated Mackerel, Dehydrated Chicken Liver, Dehydrated Egg, Whole Red Lentils, Whole Pinto Beans, Whole Peas, Whole Green Lentils, Whole Navy Beans, Whole Chickpeas, Lentil Fiber, Dehydrated Pumpkin, Natural Chicken Flavor, Pollock Oil, Chicken Fat, Pea Starch, Chicken Heart, Whole Pumpkin, Whole Butternut Squash, Collard Greens, Whole Apples, Whole Pears, Whole Cranberries, Dried Kelp, Zinc Proteinate, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Freeze-Dried Chicken, Freeze-Dried Turkey, Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium Pantothenate, Copper Proteinate, Dried Chicory Root, Turmeric, Sarsaparilla Root, Althea Root, Rosehips, Juniper Berries, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product.
9 Fromm Gold Small Breed Adult Dog Food
- Brand: Fromm
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Chicken Broth, Oat Groats, Pearled Barley
- Primary Protein Source: Duck, Chicken and Lamb
- Calories: 425 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Duck, Chicken, and Lamb
- Life Stage: Adult
If your Maltese is ready for some new and exciting dog food but you still want only the best of quality, take a look at the Fromm Family Pet Food, and this particular Gold Small Breed formula which is specifically developed for the metabolisms of adult, small breed dogs.
With ingredients such as duck, chicken, oatmeal, tomato, salmon oil, carrots, celery and potatoes, the Fromm kibble contains a balanced ratio of protein, fat and carbohydrates – just what an adult Maltese needs. The food is also fortified with vitamins and minerals and contains added probiotics to aid digestion. Fromm Gold Small Breed Adult Dog Food is one of 5 recipes included in our review of Fromm Dog Food.
Chicken, Chicken Meal, Chicken Broth, Oat Groats, Pearled Barley, Brown Rice, Menhaden Fish Meal, Chicken Fat, Dried Tomato Pomace, Chicken Liver, Dried Egg Product, Whole Oats, Salmon Oil, Whole Barley, Cheese, Flaxseed, White Rice, Brewers Dried Yeast, Potatoes, Duck, Lamb, Carrots, Sweet Potatoes, Celery, Alfalfa Meal, Monosodium Phosphate, Salt, Taurine, Potassium Chloride, Chicory Root Extract, Vitamins, Minerals, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Sorbic Acid (Preservative), DL-Methionine, L-Tryptophan, Sodium Selenite, Probiotics.
10 Avoderm Small Breed Dog Food
- Brand: AvoDerm
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken Meal, Ground Brown Rice, Ground White Rice, Oatmeal, Chicken Fat
- Primary Proteins: Chicken
- Calories: 450 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Chicken Meal & Brown Rice
- Life Stage: Adult & Puppy
Created for toy breeds, this dog food is some of the best on the market for Maltese dog breeds. It has been specifically designed for dogs under 20 pounds, with smaller kibble sizes and optimal nutrition, to meet these needs. Well-loved by customers, each bag is wheat free, corn free and soy free, with no by-products meals, no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.
Nutrient-rich, Avoderm uses avocados in all of their products, to provide additional vitamins and minerals. This, combined with the premium sources of protein and simple ingredients, will make your dog healthy and happy, inside and outside. With a shiny coat to show off and optimal digestion, this is a great choice for Maltese dogs.
Chicken Meal, Ground Brown Rice, Ground White Rice, Oatmeal, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Rice Bran, Avocado, Dried Tomato Pomace, Natural Flavor, Alfalfa Meal, Flax Seed (Source of Omega 3), Herring Meal, Dried Chicory Root, Dried Egg Product, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Kelp Meal, Avocado Oil, Vitamins (Choline Chloride, a-Tocopherol Acetate (Source of Vitamin E), L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), Niacin, Biotin, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Source of Vitamin B6), Thiamine Mononitrate (Source of Vitamin B1), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Minerals (Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Selenium Yeast, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Calcium Iodate), Yucca Shidigera Extract, Rosemary Extract, Sage Extract, Pineapple Stem, Papaya Extract, Dehydrated Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dehydrated Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Dehydrated Bifidobacterium Thermophilum Fermentation Product, Dehydrated Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product.
Best Dog Food for Maltese Buying Guide & FAQ
With so many different products on the market, finding a reliable Maltese dog food can be a bit challenging. Hopefully, our Top Picks list was able to help you make up your mind, but if you’d like more information about what makes a great Maltese dog food – keep on reading. We’ve prepared this handy little buying guide and answered some of the commonly asked questions when it comes to buying dog food. Make sure you read it all, as the more informed you are, the better your purchasing decisions will be.
Characteristics of a Reliable Maltese Dog Food
Like all dogs, Malteses require good food to have a long, healthy, happy life. But what is good food for dogs, and specifically the Maltese breed?
Wholesome food ingredients
Your primary focus should be on wholesome, good-quality food ingredients in general. This means quality meat first and foremost, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates, meaning whole grains if your Maltese doesn’t have any stomach issues, veggies, fruits, and some seeds (flaxseed is excellent for your pup’s coat!). Basically, the more healthy, wholesome ingredients, the better. Of course, there are always exceptions – if your Maltese has digestive problems, strange food allergies, or skin and coat issues, it may be best to stick to limited ingredients.
Check out our review of Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach.
Plenty of quality protein
Like all breeds, Malteses thrive on moderate to high protein diets. But no protein will do – look for real meat sources first, such as real chicken, turkey (deboned or whole), beef, lamb, fish, etc. It’s perfectly fine for dog food to contain meat meals, by the way, such as chicken meal, fish blend meal, and so on, however, it’s wise to avoid meat by-products for Malteses. This breed is prone to some health issues if not fed only the best of foods, so stick to real meats as much s possible.
You may also like our reviews of High Protein Dog Food and Lamb Dog Food.
Healthy fats
To have healthy skin and coat, Malteses need plenty of healthy fats. So make sure the dog food you’re buying has at least 10% of fats listed in its analysis. Indoor pets may require less fat than usual, but active dogs who get plenty of exercises (and Malteses should get plenty of physical activity) need much more. Animal fat, salmon oil, and flaxseed oil are all great fat choices.
Nutritional Needs of Malteses
Although they have their unique needs and preferences, Malteses are not particularly different from other small dog breeds when it comes to their nutritional needs. They need:
Good-quality protein
As mentioned, plenty of good-quality protein is a must for Malteses. For growing puppies, that’s at least 22%, and for adults, that’s at least 18%, as the AAFCO recommends. Now, this is a general recommendation for all dogs, but the Malteses are not different in this case – they need lots of protein to be healthy and happy. As a general rule of thumb, quality dog foods exceed these percentages.
Healthy fats
Fat is an important source of energy for all dogs, including the Malteses. Omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids are crucial for your Maltese’s coat, skin, heart, and brain health, so make sure the food you’re buying contains plenty of fats. For a Maltese puppy, fat should compromise at least 8% of its diet, while for an adult Maltese, at least 5%. Again, reliable dog foods exceed these recommendations.
Complex carbohydrates
Some dog owners avoid carbohydrates in their pet’s diet like a plague, but canines are omnivores and need complex carbohydrates in their diet to be healthy and well. Carbs provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, so they’re an absolute must for most Malteses. There are exceptions, of course – if your dog has diabetes, then go for low-carb dog foods, and if your pup has a sensitive stomach, limit their carb intake to only basic ingredients.
Find out more about Food for Diabetic Dogs.
Ingredients To Avoid Feeding Your Maltese
So now you know what to focus on when buying dog food for your Maltese – but what about the things you should avoid? Naturally, many dog food brands use quality ingredients and formulate great products that are not only tasty but are nourishing too. However, many brands do not – it’s easy to find dog food brands that use a bunch of unnecessary fillers, artificial additives, and low-quality meat products, as there are so many of them. In fact, it’s safe to say there are much more bad-quality dog foods on the market than there are good-quality ones. To avoid the former, pay attention to:
Fillers
Fillers are low-quality ingredients added to most pet foods. They’re not nutritious as they don’t contain anything valuable, but they do up the calorie content a little and help make the food appear plumper and a little tastier. Common dog fillers are:
- Oat hulls
- Soybean mill run
- Wheat mill run
- Corn barn
- Cereal by-products
If your dog loves his food but you notice some of the fillers in the ingredients list, don’t throw it out immediately – if the rest of the ingredients are good, a few fillers won’t hurt anybody. On the other hand, if you’re looking for only the best-of-the-best, avoid all fillers.
Artificial additives
Artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors can be commonly found in pet foods. They help the food stay fresh longer, look and taste better, but they’re anything but healthy – especially for toy breeds such as the Maltese. They can cause stomach issues, nausea, poor skin and coat health, and even some allergic reactions such as rashes and thinning coats. Avoid these ingredients at all costs, and instead, look for natural preservatives.
Animal by-products
Meat by-products are animal parts that are not fit for human consumption, so anything from feet and claws to brains and intestines. Granted, these things are not unhealthy per se, however, with animal by-products, you never know what you’re getting. Still, if your pet is fine with dog food that contains some by-products, we say don’t throw it out immediately – just make sure that’s not all your feeding your pooch.
Common Health Conditions in Maltese Dogs
Malteses are a pretty healthy breed, but like all purebred canines, they too have a tendency to develop certain health problems. Some of them include:
- Dental issues: Regular dental care is necessary for all Malteses;
- Eye problems: If your dog’s eyes frequently tear or swell, up their hygiene and see the vet for a checkup.
- Colitis: To avoid colitis, feed your Maltese only the best foods and make sure he gets regular wellness checkups.
- Heart problems: Older Malteses may develop heart murmurs and other issues, so make sure your dog gets plenty of exercises. Also, switch to a low-sodium diet if the vet recommends it.
Best Dog Food for Maltese FAQ:
Q: What should I know about Maltese puppies?
A: Although they may look all cute and innocent, Maltese dogs, even as puppies, are quite fearless and energetic. As such, they need constant stimulation, so make sure they have enough physical activity in their day-to-day life.
Also, be careful with the dog food you choose – because they are prone to certain health issues, Maltese puppies should be fed only the best of ingredients.
Q: How often should I feed my Maltese?
A: For Maltese puppies: 3 meals a day, preferably always at the same time.
For adult Malteses: 2 to 3 meals a day, depending on a dog’s level of physical activity.
Q: How much should I feed my Maltese?
A: Maltese puppies need around 55 calories per pound of body weight, while adult Maltese dogs need around 45, although this too depends on the level of physical activity they have.
Sources:
- A Complete Guide to Maltese Puppies, Wag!
- Maltese, Pets4Homes
