When it comes to food your Maltese, you’ll probably look for foods with a high protein level. Plant-based protein is always beaten by meat-based protein. For providing the nutrition your Maltese requires, seek meals specifically manufactured for little dogs.
If you’re looking for the best food for your Maltese and are confused by the alternatives, you’re not alone. It can be rather frustrating to be confronted with a hundred different dog foods that all look to be the same.
For this reason, we’ll go over each of our current favorites one by one, hopefully answering your questions and guiding you to the best dog food for Maltese.
Table of Contents
The Maltese dog food choices include
Chicken meal
Turkey
Chicken meal with brown rice
Beef meal
Lamb meal
Maltese puppies must be fed four times a day. From the time they off are of their mothers’ milk until they are three months old. Feed him/her three times a day from when he/she is three months to six months of age.
Feed him/her twice a day, starting at the age of six months. Eat your evening meal about 2-3 hours before bedtime to prevent housetraining errors.
Because Maltese have short stomachs, they will digest and absorb their food better if they eat two small meals rather than one large one.
Because Maltese dogs are prone to diabetes, feeding them two meals a day helps them maintain a more consistent blood sugar level throughout the day.
Why Is It Important To Feed Your Maltese Dog High-Quality Food
Maltese dogs will need a good start in puppyhood and need to continue the high-quality food in adulthood to sustain a decent quality of life due to their long lifespans.
Dogs can eat whatever they want to, but that does not mean that it will be beneficial for them. Many of the difficulties that senior Maltese dogs face can be avoided with a nutritious diet.
Maltese dogs are prone to dental problems, thus eating well can help them build a strong tooth foundation and avoid problems.
Diet Plan for Maltese Food
Caloric Standards
The Maltese are one of the smallest dog breeds on the earth. In comparison to larger dogs, they consume less. The daily calorie need for a two-pound dog is 65 calories per pound or 130 calories per day.
At five pounds, they require 52 calories per pound, and at 10 pounds, they require 44 calories per pound. Puppies need less calories than adults, and senior dogs that don’t get much exercise need even fewer calories.
Examining a dog’s food ensures that they stay at a healthy weight and get the right mix of vitamins and nutrients.
The dog’s size determines caloric requirements. However, owners can adjust this figure according to their dog’s energy levels. Calorie counting is critical when it comes to smaller breeds like the Maltese.
High-quality dog meals should be offered to Maltese dogs, mainly those with digestive issues.
This meal should not contain any fillers, such as maize, cereal, or animal byproducts.
For Maltese, a diet consisting of high-quality protein, fruits, and vegetables is best. Some owners may wish to serve homemade meals if their Maltese is particularly sensitive.
Owners should consult a veterinarian if they have any concerns regarding their Maltese diet.
Maltese Dog Foods on the Market
It wasn’t always easy to figure out which dog food was best for our Maltese dogs. Many dog owners are unaware that some of the most popular grocery store dog food brands aren’t always the best. There are a lot of harmful additives in these dog meals, and only a few natural ingredients.
Maltese puppy
As a puppy, your Maltese will develop quickly, especially considering his maximum size is just about 7 pounds. Your puppy’s diet should contain at least 22% protein and 8% fat, with more fat being preferred to provide him/her with the energy he/she needs to grow. The best way to ensure that their nutritional needs are met is to feed them small-breed puppy chow.
Adult Maltese
Once your Maltese reaches the age of 12 months, you should switch him/her to small-breed dog food to ensure that he/she gets enough energy and protein to maintain his muscle strength. As an adult, your dog needs a minimum of 18% protein and 5% fat, preferably from animal sources.
Senior Maltese
Around the age of eight or nine years, your Maltese’s metabolism begins to slow down. Because the Maltese are a smaller breed, you may need to restrict the amount of food you feed him/her to avoid him/her becoming overweight. Senior dog food or a weight-loss formula are both good alternatives.
Let’s have a look at the popular Maltese dog food products in the market and the proportions of their primary elements.
Ollie Pet Food For Maltese
If you’re worried about the quality of the ingredients, you’ll appreciate the Ollie Fresh Pet Food ingredient list. They provide a healthy, balanced, and tailored food for your Maltese dog.
Their freshly cooked foods are made with only natural, healthy ingredients and are available in four different recipes (beef, chicken, turkey, and lamb).
Chicken is their most popular dish. The first five ingredients are chicken, chicken gizzard, carrots, peas, and chicken liver. The package includes fruit, cod liver oils, and vitamins and minerals.
Advantage:
- Whole and fresh ingredients
- Easy-to-serve portions
- Various recipes
- Shipping
Disadvantage:
- Use of cold storage
Purina Pro Plan Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice for Maltese
Real chicken is included for increased nutrition and protein, as well as a delicious flavor that your dog will adore.
Because it contains guaranteed live probiotics, which aid digestion by feeding the healthy bacteria in your dog’s stomach, this formulation is ideal for dogs with sensitive digestive systems.
Rice is also used to provide carbohydrates that are easy to digest. This formula contains fish oil, which provides omega fatty acids for joint health, mobility, and skin and coat care.
For dogs allergic to peas, this dry dog food has no fillers and is pea-free.
Advantage:
- Designed specifically to help your older dog thrive
- To boost digestive health, it’s made with high-quality protein and active probiotics
- Real chicken is the key ingredient in this 100% full and balanced dinner
Disadvantage:
- Picky eaters are not fond of it
- The kibbles are a bit large
Cesar Filet Mignon Flavor & Spring Vegetables For Maltese
Cesar Filet Mignon Flavor With Spring Vegetables Dry Dog Food combines flavor and nutrition in a single bag. With high-quality meat as the first component and a garnish of spring veggies, it’s the type of high-protein supper your dog deserves.
Your dog will enjoy the texture and variety of meaty, soft parts among the crunchy kibble pieces, and you’ll appreciate the fact that he/she is getting comprehensive nutrition with a whopping 26 nutrients for small dog requirements.
Advantage:
- In this dish, real meat is utilized
- Healthy teeth and gums with gourmet “H” shaped kibbles
- Zipper that can be closed and re-sealed
- Savory flavored filet mignon
- This product was made with the help of 26 nutrients
Disadvantage:
- Picky eaters may not enjoy it
- This is not the greatest solution for dogs with allergies or sensitivities
Merrick Lil’ Plates Real Beef & Sweet Potato For Maltese
Merrick Lil’ Plates is a protein-rich little bite kibble designed exclusively for the mouths of small breeds.
Whole beef is the first ingredient, which provides a complete protein source, as well as whole fruits and vegetables, which provide a wide range of vitamins and minerals.
It’s free of grains, soy, and corn fillers. Flaxseed contains a significant amount of fatty acids, which are good for the skin and coat.
It’s gluten-free and contains a variety of digestive probiotics to assist your Maltese in properly digesting their foods and avoiding stomach issues.
Advantage:
- Probiotics for sensitive stomachs
- No fillers in this product
- Contains flaxseed for coat support and digestion.
- Two protein sources
- The kibbles are tiny
Disadvantage:
- This product contains potatoes and peas, which may not suit picky Maltese dogs
Blue Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe With Red Meat for maltese
Blue Buffalo’s mini bite kibble contains beef, bison, and lamb to provide a balanced protein source.
Fruits and vegetables are high in vitamins and antioxidants. It’s designed specifically for small breed dogs, with slightly higher protein and carbohydrate content in a small bite kibble to keep them energized all day.
If your Maltese has a weak stomach, this food may help. There are no additional ingredients or cereals, and pumpkin is used to aid digestion.
Furthermore, there are no artificial preservatives. It’s meant to be a more accessible alternative to raw diets while yet closely resembling the traditional puppy diet.
Advantage:
- No preservatives in this dish
- No artificial colors added
- Three protein sources
- Glucosamine and fatty acids
- Protein and carbs are particularly important for small breeds
Disadvantage:
- There are just 4 and 10-pound packets available
- Peas are included in this dish
Natural Balance L.I.D. Sweet Potato & Fish Formula Small Breed Bites
Natural Balance’s Sweet Potato & Fish Formula help to achieve low carbohydrate levels by containing only a few ingredients while avoiding chemical additives and superfluous fillers,
The main source of animal protein in this formula is salmon, while sweet potatoes provide fiber for a healthy digestive system.
The omega fatty acids in this dry dog food are fantastic for keeping your dog’s skin healthy and producing a beautiful coat.
If your dog has allergies or has a sensitive digestive system, this meal is an excellent choice.
Natural Balance highlights that a low-ingredient diet does not have to be devoid of flavor or nutrition, as this product displays.
Advantage:
- Dry dog food for little dogs with few elements
- Actual fish is used as the first element
- No common allergies
- Delicious, well-balanced puppy food for sensitive stomachs.
- This recipe contains no grains
- Designed specifically for dogs with small jaws
Disadvantage:
- This product is not certified organic.
- It is permissible to utilize genetically modified ingredients in the recipe (GMOs)
Merrick Lil’ Plates Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Senior
These are made specifically for the teeth and jaws of small breed dogs. It’s made with real chicken and sweet potato for a steady dose of protein and energy throughout the day. Vitamins and nutrients found in real fruits and vegetables help to maintain a healthy immune system.
Probiotics and prebiotics aid digestion, while essential fatty acids keep the skin and coat in good shape. This product contains no artificial colors or inexpensive fillers that could worsen allergies.
Advantage:
- Probiotics are divided into two categories: probiotics and prebiotics
- Small kibbles with a good protein/carbohydrate ratio
- Helps with weight loss
- No fillers whatsoever
Disadvantage:
- Potatoes and peas are added to this dish
- There are just four-pound, ten-pound, and twenty-two-pound packs available
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Senior
The Life Protection Formula is made for senior dogs and cats who may need extra vitamin and antioxidant support. LifeSource pieces are used, which are freeze-dried mixtures of vital nutrients mixed in with the kibble.
The first ingredient is whole, deboned chicken for maximum protein. Brown rice is a slow-release carbohydrate that provides energy to older Maltese dogs without adding calories to their diet.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin enhance joint health, while essential fatty acids keep the skin and coat smooth.
Advantage:
- Supplemental antioxidant defense
- Whole chicken Glucosamine and Chondroitin
- A 15-pound package of brown rice with moderate carbs is available
Disadvantage:
- LifeSource Bits might not be your senior dog’s cup of tea
- Picky eaters may be disappointed
Homemade Dog Food For Maltese
Once a day, a high-quality dog food supplement will be required ( or as recommended on the particular brand you choose to use).
The actual outcome should be 40% meat, 30% vegetables, and 30% carbohydrate.
The basics of Maltese home cooking are outlined below.
For the 40% meat/fish, use boneless meat, boiling white chicken flesh, liver, beef, or tuna.
Combine at least two of the following veggies to meet the 30 percent vegetable requirement:
- Squash
- Carrots
- Beets
- Spinach
- Zucchini
- Cauliflower
Follow these steps to make the 30% carbohydrate:
Meal made from oats
Rice (brown)
Potatoes are a type of vegetable (plain or sweet)
Before cooking food, it is suggested that the vegetables be processed in a mixer.
All of the ingredients should be mixed thoroughly and served hot. If you’re going to store leftovers in the fridge, use quality Tupperware containers.
Final Thoughts
Feed your Maltese the greatest quality dog food you can afford on a daily basis to keep him/her happy and healthy for as long as possible. To give a comprehensive and balanced diet, the finest dog food for Maltese dogs is formulated with helpful natural ingredients such as animal-based proteins and lipids, as well as digestible carbs and beneficial vitamins.
It may take some tweaking to please your Maltese’s picky preferences, but providing appropriate nutrition
can help your Maltese maintain his or her weight and health.
Make sure your Maltese’s food provides all of the nutrients he or she needs to stay healthy and happy, and you should be able to enjoy your cherished companion for many years.
Try one of the items described above if you’re still indecisive about the best dog food for Maltese.
