10 Best Dog Food For Maltese: According To Vets [2023]

Best Dog Food For Maltese

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Are you looking for the best dog food for Maltese? Whether you’re a first-time Maltese owner or a seasoned pro, we’ve got you covered. We’ll guide you through the essential factors when choosing the perfect dog food for your Maltese. You’ll learn about the ideal ingredients that support their overall health, maintain their luxurious coat, and keep their energy levels high, from the best dog food for adult Maltese and puppies to dog food for Maltese with allergies and stomach sensitivities. Let’s get started!

Best Dog Food For Maltese — At A Glance

Scroll to the right to see all our recommendations for the best dog food for Maltese.

Click this link to go to the reviews
(We encourage you to keep reading to make a more educated decision)

Why You Should Trust Us

186

hours of research went into this review. Hands-on tests, our dog’s experience, competitive analysis and more.

29

dog food manufacturing companies were under consideration for the top ten.

8

experts’ opinions and research studies were used to provide accurate information and rankings.

Best Dog Food For Maltese chapter 1
Chapter 1: The Research

Maltese dog food health & nutritional needs

Ch 2 | Ch 3

What Is The Best Food For Maltese?

Providing your Maltese with the appropriate food from weaning to maturity is crucial for their overall health and happiness. Before we recommend the top dog food options for your Maltese, it’s important to understand how food affects their well-being.

Maltese is a small breed with distinct nutritional needs that require careful consideration. The ideal food for your Maltese should be of high quality and tailored to their unique dietary requirements, taking into account factors such as:

  • Health
  • Activity level
  • Age
  • Weight (size)

Food & Maltese Age

Maltese have specific nutritional needs at different stages of their life, and providing them with a diet that meets these needs is essential for their overall health and well-being.

  • Maltese Puppies. Require a diet that is higher in calories and protein to support their growth and development. They also need a balanced calcium and phosphorus diet for healthy bone growth. Feeding high-quality puppy food formulated explicitly for Maltese puppies can help ensure they receive the necessary nutrients during this crucial stage.
  • Adult Maltese. Require a diet that is moderate in calories and protein to maintain their weight and prevent obesity. They also need a balanced diet of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to support their overall health and energy needs.
  • Senior Maltese. Senior dogs may require a diet lower in calories and fat to maintain a healthy weight and higher fiber to support digestive health. Senior dog foods often contain joint supplements to help mobility and joint health.

Food & Maltese Activity Level

The type and quality amount of food your Maltese consumes directly impact their energy levels and activity.

Overfeeding or providing low-quality food can lead to weight gain, negatively impacting your Maltese’s activity level. Excess weight strains their joints and can make physical activities challenging and uncomfortable. On the other hand, underfeeding or providing inadequate nutrition can leave your Maltese feeling lethargic and lacking the energy to be active. An active Maltese will require more calories compared to a more sedentary one. By providing a balanced and appropriate diet, you can ensure that your Maltese maintains a healthy weight, has optimal energy levels, and enjoys an active and fulfilling life.

Food & Maltese Health

Generally, Maltese are healthy dogs, but like any breed, they are susceptible to several health concerns. Although certain health issues that Maltese may experience are congenital and beyond our control, others can be influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors, such as diet.

Some of the most common health issues faced by Maltese include the following:

  • Food allergies. Certain ingredients in their food can cause allergies in Maltese. Food allergies in Maltese may present as dry, itchy skin, ears, or paws. It’s important to note that food intolerances can also occur. However, unlike allergies, food intolerances do not involve the immune system but can lead to vomiting or diarrhea. 
  • Obesity. Maltese dogs, like most dogs, can be prone to obesity, which can lead to various health complications.
  • Patellar luxation. This condition is characterized by a slight deformation in the tibia and the patella (knee joint), causing the patellar ligament to move inward or outward when the knee bends.
  • Dental problems. Maltese dogs are susceptible to dental issues such as gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath.
  • Eye problems. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cataracts and dry eye syndrome are common eye issues in this breed.
  • Hypoglycemia. This condition is characterized by low blood sugar, which is common in Maltese dogs.
  • Skin problems. Skin issues are common in Maltese dogs. These can include allergies, rashes, and other skin irritations.
  • Heart problems. Maltese dogs may be at risk for heart conditions, such as heart murmurs or congestive heart failure.
  • Liver shunts. A liver shunt is a condition where the blood bypasses the liver, which can lead to various health problems.
  • Hypothyroidism. A condition characterized by an underactive thyroid gland. Symptoms include weight gain, lethargy, and skin issues.

To help maintain their health and prevent some health problems that may arise from poor nutrition, providing Maltese with a well-balanced and nutritious diet and preventative supplementation when advised by your vet is essential.

Maltese-Specific Dog Food Qualities To Look For

Here are the key qualities to look for in dog food for Maltese, considering this Maltese’s specific health and nutritional requirements.

  • Avoid common allergies. Because Maltese can develop allergies or food intolerances, we highly recommend conducting an at-home dog allergy test like the 5Strands kit. This particular kit can test for up to 255 ingredients and determine which ones may cause food intolerance in your dog. Once you receive the results, you can use the list to avoid dog food formulas that contain potential allergens.
  • Probiotics. Maltese can have sensitive digestive systems. Look for a dog food that adds probiotics to its formula. Dog probiotics support a healthy digestive system and immune system. Probiotics also help to reduce your Maltese’s inflammatory responses to allergens and immunological attacks.
  • Digestibility. Maltese can be prone to digestive issues, so look for dog food that is minimally processed, such as fresh dog food or homemade dog food for Maltese. Lower-quality kibble may contain fillers, artificial preservatives, and other ingredients that can be harder to digest and may cause digestive upset in some dogs.
  • Low-calorie. Because Maltese often develop obesity, selecting dog foods that contain low calories may help maintain a healthy weight. The food should also be satisfying to prevent overeating.
  • Eye health support. Consider dog food that contains nutrients beneficial for eye health, such as antioxidants like vitamin E and beta-carotene.
  • Joint health support. Consider dog food that contains ingredients promoting joint health, such as glucosamine and chondroitin. These ingredients can help support the health and mobility of your Maltese joints.
  • Heart and liver health. Look for formulas with added taurine, which is beneficial for heart function, and avoid excessive levels of copper, as it can be problematic for dogs with liver shunts.
  • Hypoglycemia management. Look for dog food with ingredients that provide sustained energy and stabilize blood sugar levels. Choose options with complex carbohydrates and avoid high-sugar ingredients.
  • Consistent blood sugar. Because Maltese often suffer from hypoglycemia, it is wise to encourage your dog to eat food with complex carbohydrates and fiber to help maintain consistent blood sugar levels, which is particularly important for dogs prone to hypoglycemia.
  • Skin and coat health. Consider dog food that includes ingredients promoting healthy skin and coat, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These nutrients can help alleviate allergies and improve the condition of their skin.

Other General Tips To Pick The Best Food For Maltese

  • AAFCO approved
  • High-quality protein as the first ingredient
  • Avoid meat meals or meat-byproducts
  • Made in the USA
  • Avoid food that contains fillers, by-products, or artificial additives
  • Your dog’s preferences

Keep in mind that every Maltese has specific dietary needs. Seeking advice from a veterinarian can assist you in selecting the best food that meets your Maltese’s requirements.

Best Dog Food For Maltese chapter 2
Chapter 2: The Reviews

The best dog food for Maltese reviewed

Ch 1 | Ch 3

Best Maltese Dog Food

Here are Canine Bible’s top picks for the best dog food for Maltese.

Our research team chose all dog foods listed below based on AAFCO’s nutrient guidelines, Maltese’s exclusive nutrition needs, customer reviews, price, and more. This Maltese food list also includes food for specific needs such as weight loss, allergies, and more.


Best Overall Dog Food For Maltese — The Farmer’s Dog

Our rating: 4.9

Overview

Flavors: Turkey, chicken, beef & pork┊ Life stage: All ages ┊ Food type: Fresh
Ingredients: Human-grade ┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO

Overview

Flavors: Turkey, chicken, beef & pork
Life stage: All ages
Food type: Fresh
Ingredients: Human-grade
Manufactured: USA
Nutrition: AAFCO

Why We Picked & Recommended It

The Farmer’s Dog wins the spot for the best dog food for Maltese. This brand stands out because they use human-grade ingredients to create recipes that are portioned and delivered straight to your door. Feeding your dog fresh food like The Farmer’s Dog offers many research-backed health benefits, including longer lifespans, better digestibility, higher energy levels, and more. It’s also ideal for dogs with food allergies, sensitive stomachs, or other dietary concerns because they avoid cheap fillers, additives, and harmful chemicals. Unlike traditional kibble, The Farmer’s Dog dog food is gently cooked from scratch, ensuring all nutritional integrity is retained — this means that your Maltese will receive the healthiest and most nutritious meal with every serving.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

The Farmer’s Dog stands out from other dog food brands by taking a personalized approach to nutrition. Many dog food brands offer one-size-fits-all recipes, but The Farmer’s Dog takes the time to create a custom formula for each dog, considering factors like age, weight, and activity level to ensure your dog gets the perfect balance of nutrients for their unique needs. You can tell them about your dog’s food allergies, tear stain issues, bad breath, joint problems, and more, and they will cook and personalize your dog’s meals to meet your pet’s needs.

Key Features

  • Vet-designed. All recipes are made by board-certified veterinary nutritionists that comply with AAFCO standards.
  • Human-grade. Cooked in human-grade kitchens with human-grade ingredients.
  • Excellent ingredient sourcing. They only source from reputable food suppliers, local farms, and other human food purveyors that meet USDA standards.

Pros

  • Level of customization is unmatched
  • Packaged as daily portions for easy serving
  • Non-processed food (zero chemicals)
  • Nom never uses feed-grade ingredients
  • Does not process ingredients to be shelf-stable

Cons

  • It’s on the expensive side

Our readers have access to 50% off their first order. Just use this link to get started. The discount will be applied automatically.

Our Video Review


Best Dry Dog Food For Maltese — A Pup Above

Our rating: 4.8

Overview

Flavors: Beef, chicken, pork & turkey┊ Life stage: Adult ┊ Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Premium ┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO

Overview

Flavors: Beef, chicken, pork & turkey
Life stage: Adult
Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Premium
Manufactured: USA
Nutrition: AAFCO

Why We Picked & Recommended It

A Pup Above Food Cubies dog formula is our top pick for the best all-around dry dog food for Maltese. Unlike traditional dry dog food, Food Cubies is less processed and has half the cost of fresh dog food. Think of Food Cubies as freshly homemade dog food with the convince of kibble without the nasty preservatives, additives, and cheap fillers. It’s perfect for Maltese because it’s been formulated to surpass the specific nutritional requirements of most dry dog foods.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

Food cubies recipes are gently dried using our unique process, which gently dries out whole foods to preserve nutrients and flavor and maximize nutritional integrity. Some recipes use organ meats, one of the most nutrient-dense foods you can give your dog. In fact, entrails contain as many (or more) vitamins, minerals, and other valuable nutrients as lean muscle meat.

Key Features

  • 100% human-grade. Real ingredients
  • Simple, limited ingredients. Use radically simple recipes ideal for a picky eater or dog with food allergies.
  • Superherbs. Boosted with super herbs for join, immunity, digestive support and more

What We Like & Don’t Like

Pros

  • Meals customized for your dog’s weight, breed and activity level
  • Exceeds industry standards
  • Cheaper than fresh dog food
  • Crunchy texture
  • GMO and hormone free
  • Custom plans and scoops

Cons

  • It’s a bit more expensive than traditional kibble. NUTRO Ultra dry dog food is another great alternative if you want a more traditional dry dog food that’s less expensive.

Our readers have access to save 25% off their first order by using the code CANINEBIBLE. Just use this link to get started.


Best Food For Maltese Puppy — Open Farm

Our rating: 4.7

Overview

Flavors: Blend of chicken, pork & salmon┊ Life stage: Puppies ┊ Food type: Fresh
Ingredients: Human-grade ┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO

Overview

Flavors: Blend of chicken, port & salmon
Life stage: Puppies
Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Fresh
Manufactured: USA
Nutrition: AAFCO

Why We Picked & Recommended It

The Gently Cooked Open Farm puppy recipe is the best dog food for Maltese. This puppy-specific formula provides the necessary nutrients for the optimal growth and development of Maltese puppies, including prebiotic fiber like pumpkin and chicory root, supports healthy digestion and calcium iodate as a source of energy production, and also promotes muscular and cognitive development in puppies.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

This formula is designed specifically for Maltese puppies and has a purposeful blend of three proteins to help prevent allergies. It also has added collagen for healthy joint development.

Key Features

  • Human-grade meats. High-quality meats are raised without antibiotics or added hormones.
  • Superfoods. Boosted with chia seeds, kale, flaxseed and other wholesome ingredients.

What We Like & Don’t Like

Pros

  • Made with non-GMO fruits and veggies
  • No potatoes, rendered poultry or meals
  • Serve as a topper or complete meal

Cons

Our Video Review

Our readers have access to 20% Off on their first order with the code CANINEBIBLE. Just use this link to get started!


Cheapest Dog Food For Maltese — Blue Buffalo

Our rating: 4.8

Overview

Flavors: Beef, chicken, lamb & fish┊ Life stage: Adult┊ Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Natural ┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO

Overview

Flavors: Beef, chicken, lamb & fish
Life stage: Adult
Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Natural
Manufactured: USA
Nutrition: AAFCO

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula is great if you are looking for the most affordable dog food for Maltese. For a slightly lower price than other brands, this dry food is formulated to provide your Maltese pup with sustained healthy energy from high-quality animal-based proteins. This dog food helps build strong, lean muscles and maintain optimal body conditions. It is made with real meat, brown rice, and sweet potatoes, which are easily digestible and provide a balanced diet for adult dogs.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

Blue Buffalo’s exclusive LifeSource Bits are a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support your dog’s immune system and overall health. It is made with real meat as the first ingredient, rare in most affordable dog food brands.

Key Features

  • Omegas. This dog food is also packed with omega-6 and -3 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and a radiant coat.
  • Muscle support. L-Carnitine to help burn fat while preserving lean muscles
  • Bone and joint health. It also contains Glucosamine and chondroitin for strong bones and joint development. 

What We Like & Don’t Like

Pros

  • No chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives

Cons

  • It may not be suitable for dogs with severe food allergies or sensitivities, as it is not specifically designed for these conditions
  • The inclusion of brown rice and sweet potatoes may be higher in carbohydrates than some dogs need, which could be a concern for overweight or diabetic dogs

Best Food For Senior Maltese — Orijen

Our rating: 4.6

Overview

Flavors: Chicken, turkey & fish┊ Life stage: Senior ┊ Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Fresh┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO

Overview

Flavors: Chicken, turkey & fish
Life stage: Senior
Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Fresh
Manufactured: USA
Nutrition: AAFCO

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Most veterinarians consider a dog a senior once it reaches seven years old. If your Maltese is in that stage of his life, it might be time to switch to a high-quality senior dog food diet. If you’re concerned about keeping your Maltese healthy during his older years, Orijin Senior dog food will support long-life vitality. It’s crafted specifically for your senior Maltese to help them stay healthy by supporting lean muscle mass and weight maintenance.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

With rich inclusions of a whole prey diet, ORIJEN dog food is made with the most nutrient-dense, succulent parts of the prey to deliver the nutrition dogs need.

Key Features

  • Wholeprey diet inclusions. It uses fresh and raw animal ingredients, including meat, organs, cartilage, and bone, nourishing dogs according to their natural and biological needs. Note“ “r”w” in this context means that the ingredients are super-fresh when they arrive at the factory/kitchen. The kibble is cooked by the time it is in the bag. This is high-quality cooked pet food, not raw food.
  • Bones and joint support. Enhanced with Glucosamine to aid with cartilage wear and tear as your pet ages.

What We Like Don’t Like

Pros

  • Protein, including poultry, fish and organs
  • Freeze-dried coated for a burst of raw flavor
  • 85% quality animal ingredients
  • Great feedback from senior dog parent 

Cons

  • A bit expensive

Raw Food For Maltese — Instinct

Our rating: 4.8

Overview

Flavors: Chicken, lamb & beef┊ Life stage: All ages ┊ Food type: Raw
Ingredients: Raw┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO

Overview

Flavors: Chicken, lamb & beef
Life stage: All ages
Food type: Raw
Ingredients: Natural
Manufactured: USA
Nutrition: AAFCO

Why We Picked & Recommended It

As more dog parents opt to raw feed their dogs, it’s essential to understand the ins and out of a raw diet for dogs. If you are in the market for raw dog food for Maltese, Instinct Frozen Raw Bites Real Beef Recipe formula is one of our top picks for the best raw dog food delivery brands. This formula is protein-packed with 85% meat and organs and 15% non-GMO fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals to give your Maltese a complete BARF diet. It’s minimally processed, never cooked, pure, natural nutrition to keep your best friend strong. 

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

Raw dog food benefits a shinier coat, healthier skin, cleaner teeth, more energy, and smaller stool. Instinct Raw states that raw dog nutrition can promote strong, lean muscles and energize your pup.

What We Like Don’t Like

Pros

  • Never cooked
  • Non-GMO vegetables, fruits, and wholesome ingredients
  • All ingredients are frozen in their prime to maintain the highest level of nutrients
  • Cold-pressure processing to keep the nutrients and taste intact

Cons

  • Needs to be kept frozen until it’s your pet’s mealtime
  • Not as convenient as feeding dry dog food. Open Farm freeze-dried raw dog food is an excellent alternative for a more convenient way to feed raw.

Best Food For Maltese With Sensitive Stomach — Hill’s

Our rating: 4.7

Overview

Flavors: Chicken & Barley┊ Life stage: Adult┊ Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Natural ┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO

Overview

Flavors: Chicken & Barley
Life stage: Adult
Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Natural
Manufactured: USA
Nutrition: AAFCO

Why We Picked & Recommended It

If you are looking for the best food for Maltese with sensitive stomachsHill’s Science Diet For Sensitive Stomach & Skin is a top choice. This kibble is formulated to protect sensitive tummies and skin. It’s made with easily digestible ingredients, including barley, beet pulp, and brown rice, and contains no soy, wheat, or artificial that can cause upsets or skin flare-ups on your Maltese. 

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

Specialized formula fortified with prebiotics fiber for healthy digestion, sensitive stomachs and immune health. Prebiotic fiber nourishes healthy intestinal bacteria.

Key Features

  • Omega-6. Excellent source of omega-6 fatty acids to nourish your dog’s skin and help maintain a healthy, shiny coat. 
  • Highly digestible. The food is gentle on the stomach

What We Like Don’t Like

Pros

  • Supports a balanced gut microbiome in your grown dog
  • No artificially colored, flavored, or preserved

Cons

  • Not recommended for puppies and pregnant or nursing dogs.
  • 15% may still be sensitive to this diet. Another option is going fresh with a premium choice like JustFoodForDogs Balanced Remedy. Its plain composition of a single protein source, single starch source, and low-fat levels make it perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Best Food For Maltese With Allergies — Royal Canin

Our rating: 4.7

Overview

Flavors: Natural┊ Life stage: All ages ┊ Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Hypoallergenic ┊ Manufactured: USA┊ Nutrition: AAFCO

Overview

Flavors: Natural
Life stage: All ages
Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Hypoallergenic
Manufactured: USA
Nutrition: AAFCO

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Whether your Maltese suffers from skin allergies, food allergies, or food intolerance to certain ingredients, Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein is the best hypoallergenic dog formula you feed an allergic Maltese. This vet-exclusive prescription formula helps dogs with itching, hair loss, skin allergies and digestive upset. It’s also highly digestible and supports gastrointestinal and dermatological health.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

This formula uses hydrolyzed soy protein (non-animal protein). Hydrolyzed protein is made by a process known as hybridization, which breaks down proteins to a size less likely to be recognized by the immune system, effectively stopping allergic reactions.

Key Features

  • Limited ingredients. Its limited ingredients also make it great against allergies. They use one single source of carbohydrates.
  • Supports GI health. Contains a unique blend of fibers and prebiotics.

What We Like Don’t Like

Pros

  • Specially designed for canines with food intolerances or allergies
  • Helps to reduce skin and GI reactions caused by proteins
  • Support healthy skin and help reduce inflammation
  • Best dog food for Maltese with skin allergies
  • Best dog food for itchy skin Maltese

Cons

  • A bit expensive
  • Requires vet authorization. While we recommend Royal Canine Veterinary for the best results, unfortunately, it requires a prescription. If you can’t wait to visit your vet or don’t have the budget to afford it, ACANA Lamb & Pumpkin Limited Ingredient Diet can help also help with allergies and does not require a prescription.

Best Grain-Free Food For Maltese — Open Farm

Our rating: 4.7

Overview

Flavors: Beef, chicken & turkey, salmon, lamb, venison & more┊ Life stage: All ages ┊ Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Premium ┊ Manufactured: USA┊ Nutrition: AAFCO

Overview

Flavors: Beef, chicken & turkey, salmon, lamb, venison & more
Life stage: All ages
Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Premium
Manufactured: USA
Nutrition: AAFCO

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Does your Maltese dog suffer from grain allergies or intolerances? If so, Open Farm’s grain-free dry dog food is your best bet. We picked it because they skip the grain, corn, soy and wheat in favor of science-backed superfoods like non-GMO pumpkin, carrot, leafy greens and coconut oil for a balanced and complete diet that provide antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support Maltese nutritional needs. Open Farm grain-free recipes are specifically designed for dogs with grain sensitivities.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

It’s made responsibly from ethically sourced and sustainable ingredients free from antibiotics, hormones, and artificial preservatives, making it one of the most sustainable dog food brands.

Key Features

  • 100% traceable ingredients. Instantly trace the origin of every ingredient in their bag of Open Farm pet food
  • Premium ingredients. Locally sourced non-GMO fruits and veggies
  • Ethically sourced protein. Only uses ethically sourced and humanely raised meats

What We Like Don’t Like

Pros

  • No rendered poultry or meat meals
  • Meats from audited higher welfare farms
  • High in protein
  • Local carbon footprint per bag

Cons

  • It can be more expensive than other brands on the market

Best Wet Dog Food For Maltese — JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh

Our rating: 4.5

Overview

Flavors: Chicken, turkey, beef, lamb & more┊ Life stage: All ages ┊ Food type: Wet
Ingredients: Human-grade ┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO

Overview

Flavors: Chicken, turkey, beef, lamb & more
Life stage: All ages
Food type: Wet
Ingredients: Human-grade
Manufactured: USA
Nutrition: AAFCO

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Are you looking for the best-wet food for Maltese? JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh is our favorite choice. JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh is a convenient and healthy option for dog owners who want to feed their dogs soft-textured meals and keep them hydrated, especially those in warmer climates. Unlike traditional canned wet dog food, Pantry Fresh uses only ingredient fit for human consumption to ensure the highest quality nutrition. Additionally, they use a unique cooking process to make Pantry Fresh preserves the nutritional value and taste of the ingredients, making it a nutritious and tasty option for dogs.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

Aside from traditional flavors, they have specialized wet food for targeting health problems including joint, skin, sensitive stomach, renal, appetite loss, metabolism and liver function.

Key Features

  • Ready-to-serve nutrition. A team of veterinarians and canine specialists formulates every recipe.
  • Gently cooked. This process maximizes the nutritional value and promotes a healthy immune system.
  • Travel friendly. 2-year shelf life and transportable Tetra Pak® packaging make it easy to store and travel with.

What We Like Don’t Like

Pros

  • USDA certified meats
  • Organ meats
  • A convenient way for busy people to feed their dogs a fresh diet
  • Offers health-specific options
  • A variety pack for picky eaters
  • Provides the benefits of fresh dog food

Cons

  • More expensive than traditional wet dog food

Other Best Dog Food For Maltese

  • Best dehydrated dog food for Maltese. The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Gourmet is our favorite dehydrated food. Dehydrated food is often easier for Maltese to digest. Additionally, if your dog has dental problems or is missing teeth, dehydrated dog food can be easier for them to eat than traditional kibble.
  • Best food topper for Maltese. Portland Pet Food Company offers a fantastic variety of tasty fresh dog food flavors you can add as a topper to your dog’s kibble meals.
  • Best health-specific custom diets food for Maltese. JustFoodForDogs makes creating a custom recipe for your fur baby easy. They work with your veterinarian to create a custom recipe if your Maltese has a medical need for a restricted diet.
  • Best dog food for Maltese to lose weight. Natural Balance Fat Dogs Low is great if your Maltese needs to lose weight.
  • Best dog food for Maltese to gain weight. With 600 calories per cup, Miracle Vet High-Calorie Weight Gain Dog Food is ideal for helping your Mastiff gain lean muscle mass.
Best Dog Food For Maltese chapter 3
Chapter 3: Tips, FAQs & More

Calories, transition & other food tips.

Ch 1 | Ch 2

Maltese Food Calorie Requirements

The caloric needs of dogs are based on their weight. An adult Maltese usually weighs between 6 and 9 pounds, meaning most need between 237 and 322 calories daily. You can use our dog calorie calculator to find the exact caloric needs of your dog based on his weight.

How to Switch Maltese Dog Food

If you decide to switch your Maltese’s dog food to a new dog formula, it’s advised to adhere to the following recommendations by vets:

  • Week 1: 25% new food and 75% old food
  • Week 2: 50% new food and 50% old food
  • Week 3: 25% new food and 75% old food
  • Week 4: 100% new food

Pro tip: Never change your dog’s food abruptly. It could cause an upset stomach, diarrhea, or vomiting.

Only increase the weekly food percentage if your Maltese seems to be doing well during each transition. Monitor closely, and if you notice any adverse reaction to his new food, stop feeding it to your dog.

Health Dietary Changes In Maltese

If your Maltese is struggling with the following health conditions, adopting a new diet or adding supplements can be beneficial to get these dog-related issues under control.

ConditionDietary Needs & Adjustments
Coat Color ChangesIncrease amino acids which can be found in protein (>75 grams per 1000 calories)
Concurrent GI SignsAvoid foods with tryptamine and histamine, such as dairy, fermented vegetables, and meats (yes, this includes bacon); try a simple ingredient food trial.
Chronic Itching and DermatitisFortify the diet with Vitamin E, B Vitamins, Zinc, omega-6, and the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil; add a dog probiotic; try a simple ingredient food trial.
Dull Coat and ScalingAdjust EPA and DHA levels in the diet (added fish oil being the most common way); try food with added zinc.
Dandruff and CrustinessAdd Zinc and Vitamin A levels

Best Dog Food For Maltese — Conclusion

In conclusion, finding the best dog food for your Maltese is crucial for their health and well-being. As a small and delicate breed, Maltese dogs have specific dietary needs that require careful consideration. Throughout this article, we have explored various factors to consider when selecting the ideal dog food for Maltese, such as their size, age, and any specific health concerns they may have. We have emphasized the importance of a high-quality, balanced diet that includes essential nutrients like protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, we have highlighted the significance of avoiding common allergens and fillers that can adversely affect your Maltese’s digestion and overall health.

By choosing a reputable brand that offers tailored formulas for small breeds, you can ensure that your Maltese receives the necessary nutrition and enjoys a vibrant and active life. Remember to consult with your veterinarian to address any specific dietary requirements your Maltese may have.

If your Maltese suffers from health issues related to poor nutrition or other problems, don’t let financial concerns prevent you from providing the best care for your pet. Consider getting the best pet insurance for Maltese today.


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Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Editorial Team at Canine Bible | + posts

Canine Bible authorship represents the unified voice of our entire editorial team and our in-house veterinarians rather than a single author. Each article, blog post, and review published under the Canine Bible name undergoes a rigorous review process, involving all team members to guarantee accuracy and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. This collaborative effort is an integral part of our editorial process and aligns with our four pillars of content creation. This approach ensures our content is backed by expert knowledge and factual information, offering our readers reliable, actionable, and trustworthy content.

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