While their luxurious locks can make them look a bit prissy, Maltese are surprisingly spunky pups who are even beloved by those who typically prefer large breeds.
But to ensure they stay easy-going and energetic, you have to take very good care of them. This not only means providing proper training, exercise, and grooming but giving them food that will keep them healthy and happy for years to come.
Below, we’ll explain what to look for in your pup’s food and share the best dog food for Maltese.
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Best Overall Dog Food for Maltese
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Best Overall Kibble for Maltese
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Most Affordable Food for Maltese
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Maltese-Specific Dietary Guidelines
Now that you understand the things you’ll want to avoid in any dog food, it is important to recognize the breed-specific requirements to root the best dog foods for Maltese from the rest.
Some Maltese have sensitive stomachs.
Maltese can have sensitive tummies, which means that you’ll want to vigilantly observe your pet’s elimination habits and general health and be mindful of ingredients that give her tummy trouble. Foods that are fortified with probiotics often help eliminate digestive problems, making them some of the best dog foods for Maltese specifically.
Many Maltese are picky eaters.
Unlike many large breeds and a handful of other toy breeds, who will eat anything that smells like it was alive at one point, Maltese dogs will not hesitate to refuse food they find unpalatable.
Fortunately, most individuals exhibit definitive preferences, which, once identified, can help you select foods your pup is sure to like.
Maltese are prone to obesity.
Maltese are very small dogs who should weigh between about 4 and 6 pounds. It doesn’t take a lot of calories to support such a small body, so even a few additional calories per week can add up.
Some Maltese suffer from joint problems.
Since Maltese tend to suffer from canine arthritis (likely due in part to their susceptibility to obesity) it makes sense to select foods fortified with chondroitin and glucosamine, which may help prevent such problems from developing and help repair any damage that occurs.
Maltese often suffer from dental problems.
Generally speaking, dry kibble will keep your pup’s teeth cleaner than wet foods will, so it is generally preferable (and more affordable) to avoid wet foods when tooth decay and gum disease are concerns. Additionally, premium dry food also includes special teeth-cleaning characteristics.
Coat health is important.
The Maltese’s trademark coat takes a lot of maintenance, inside and out. Along with regular grooming, your Maltese pup should get enough omega-3 fatty acids to maintain a healthy coat and skin. Too few can result in itchy skin.
11 Best Dog Foods for Maltese Dogs
Although there are a number of foods on the market that will keep your Maltese healthy and well-fed, the following are clearly among the best options. Look over the following reviews, and try to select the one that best suits your individual pet and situation.
1. Raised Right Original Turkey Recipe
About: It’s hard to top the quality offered by Raised Right Original Turkey Recipe, as the fresh-food brand only uses human-grade ingredients prepared in USDA-inspected, human-food facilities. Featuring turkey thighs and organ meat, the Original Turkey Recipe is a palate-tempter to picky canines, with the rest of the ingredient list simple with produce and healthy fats to prevent any tummy woes.
Features:
- Gently cooked to preserve flavor and nutrients and customized to your dog’s size and activity
- Delivered right to your door for the ultimate convenience
- Brand holds the Plastic Neutral Certification to combat plastic pollution
- Meets AAFCO nutrient profile for adult maintenance
- Made in the USA
Options: Offered in 11 recipes, including Original Turkey, Beef & Pumpkin Paté, and Original Chicken. Adult and puppy foods are available.
Pros
- Taste earns barks of approval from dogs (including fussy eaters), while pet parents love the quality
- Short ingredient list ideal for doggos with food sensitivities
- Earth-conscious company practices a win for many pet parents
Cons
- Pricing is steep
- Requires refrigerator space for storage
Ingredients Original Turkey Recipe:
Ingredients List
Turkey Thigh, Turkey Heart, Turkey Liver, Carrots, Blueberries...,
Organic Spearmint, Cod Liver Oil, Egg Shell Powder, Flaxseed Oil, Organic Dried Kelp
2. Ollie
About: Ollie is a supreme fresh-food option customized to your Maltese, including activity level, age, and more to help your pup maintain a healthy weight. Gently cooked and served in a mouthwatering meaty mash, this food is a top-notch choice for enthusiastic eaters and finicky floofs alike.
Features:
- Real meat is always the first ingredient
- Doesn’t contain any artificial colors or flavors
- Comes with a 100-percent money-back guarantee
- Made in the USA using human-grade ingredients
Options: Available in Fresh Beef, Fresh Chicken, Fresh Lamb, and Fresh Turkey recipes.
Pros
- Human-grade ingredients offer peace of mind to pet parents seeking the best of the best
- Taste and texture please most doggy diners
- Customized to your unique Maltese to ensure healthy weight
Cons
- Needs to be refrigerated
- Pricing is steep, though cost savings are available if you use a half kibble-half Ollie approach
Ingredients (Fresh Chicken Recipe):
Ingredients List
Chicken, Rice, Carrots, Chicken Livers, Peas...,
Potatoes, Spinach, Cranberries, Tricalcium Phosphate, Salmon Oil, Salt, Taurine, Zinc Gluconate, Vitamin E Supplement, Ferrous Sulphate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) Supplement, Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Thiamine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B1), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Potassium Iodide.
3. Blue Buffalo Small Breed Life Protection Formula
Meat is the #1 ingredient, along with several omega-rich ingredients for healthy skin and muscles in this top-notch kibble.
About: Blue Buffalo’s Small Breed Life Protection Formula is a great dry dog food option for most Maltese. While it possesses an impressive ingredient list and most dogs find it delicious, it has a very competitive price point for such a premium product, making it one of the best dog foods for Maltese.
Features:
- Deboned chicken is the first listed ingredient
- Made with several omega-fatty-acid-rich ingredients to keep your pup’s skin and coat healthy
- Fortified with an array of vitamins, minerals, and probiotics
- Unique, “small-bite” kibble is easy for small breeds to chew
- Made in the USA
Pros
- Kibble is rich in nutritious ingredients and extras
- Affordable pricing considering the quality
- Flavor is a win with most woofs
Cons
- Some pet parents were concerned about the inclusion of garlic in the recipe
- Not every dog is a fan of the LifeSource Bits
Ingredients List
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Ground Barley, Whole Ground Brown Rice, Oatmeal...,
Chicken Fat (naturally preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Tomato Pomace (natural source of Lycopene), Natural Chicken Flavor, Whole Potatoes, Peas, Menhaden Fish Meal (natural source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Whole Carrots, Whole Sweet Potatoes, Blueberries, Cranberries, Flaxseed (natural source of Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids), Barley Grass, Dried Parsley, Garlic, Alfalfa Meal, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, L-Carnitine, L-Lysine, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Turmeric, Sunflower Oil (natural source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids), Dried Chicory Root, Oil of Rosemary, Beta Carotene, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Niacin (Vitamin B3), d-Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Biotin (Vitamin B7), Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Calcium Ascorbate (source of Vitamin C), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Choline Chloride, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate, Salt, Caramel, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecium.
4. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Small Breed Recipe
About: Wellness CORE products – including their Small Breed Recipe – are essentially grain-free versions of the company’s Complete Health line. The Small Breed Recipe is specifically formulated to provide the proper caloric intake to satisfy the higher energy needs of small breeds.
Features:
- Deboned turkey – a nutritious, lean protein – is the first listed ingredient
- Contains no soy, wheat, or corn
- Full of ingredients rich in omega fatty acids and antioxidants
- Fortified with probiotics to help ensure proper digestion
- Made in the USA
Pros
- Rich in everything you’d want in premium dog food, including whole proteins, produce, and supplements
- Several parents report an improvement in canine skin and coat appearance
- Most dogs love the taste
Cons
- Some owners experienced packaging issues
- One of the more expensive dog foods
Ingredients List
Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Potatoes, Peas...,
Dried Ground Potatoes, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Tomato Pomace, Natural Chicken Flavor, Ground Flaxseed, Salmon Oil, Yucca schidigera Extract, Choline Chloride, Spinach, Vitamin E Supplement, Broccoli, Carrots, Parsley, Apples, Blueberries, Kale, Sweet Potatoes, Taurine, Spearmint, Mixed Tocopherols added to preserve freshness, Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Chondroitin Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Beta-Carotene, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Chicory Root Extract, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, 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.
5. Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Small Breed Recipe
About: Merrick Lil’ Plates Small Breed Recipe is a premium, grain-free beef dog food that will provide your pup with a litany of impressive ingredients. Formulated for small breeds in all life stages, you can feed this dry food to your adult, lactating female, or pup as a small breed puppy diet. Since it contains no chicken, it’s also a great recipe for those who are looking for chicken-free dog food.
Features:
- Features one of the highest protein contents (38%) of any mainstream dog food
- Higher fatty acid content than most other dog foods
- Made in the USA with no Chinese-sourced ingredients
- Grain- and gluten-free
- Contains ingredients that are rich in chondroitin and glucosamine to support joint health
Pros
- Flavor-packed food most dogs enjoy
- Some pet parents noted an improvement in reducing tear staining
- Several owners reported improvement in canine skin and coat condition
Cons
- Pricing is steep compared to other dog food
- Grain-free dog food isn’t a good choice for every dog
Ingredients List
Deboned Beef, Lamb Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Potatoes...,
Natural Flavor, Potato Protein, Salmon Meal, Pork Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Pea Protein, Salmon, Inulin (from chicory root), Flaxseed Oil, Apples, Blueberries, Organic Alfalfa, Gelatin, Salmon Oil (source of Omega-3 fatty acids), Salt, Minerals (Zinc Sulfate, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Potassium Iodide, Cobalt Amino Acid Complex, Sodium Selenite), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Acetate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Niacin, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Thiamine Mononitrate), Choline Chloride, Yucca schidigera Extract, Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract.
6. NUTRO Ultra Small Breed Recipe
Made with high-quality ingredients and 12 different "superfoods" for complete and balanced nutrition.
About: NUTRO Ultra Small Breed Recipe is a pretty good option for most Maltese, containing superfoods like kale, chia, and coconut. It’s also made without genetically modified organisms, which is an important feature for some owners.
Features:
- Grain-inclusive recipe fuels your four-footer with rice and a mix of high-quality protein
- Chicken is the first listed ingredient
- Small kibble size is perfectly tailored for your pup’s little mouth
- Made without corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or artificial preservatives
Pros
- Packed with superfoods like blueberries and kale
- While not a limited-ingredient-diet, it’s made without common allergens
- One of the few reasonably priced non-GMO dog food available
Cons
- Some pet parents experienced issues with the packaging
- A select few dogs didn’t care for the flavor
Ingredients List
Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Rice Bran...,
Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Lamb Meal, Salmon Meal, Natural Flavor, Pea Protein, Sunflower Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Whole Flaxseed, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Whole Grain Oatmeal, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, DL-Methionine, Salt, Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid (preservatives), Dried Coconut, Whole Chia Seed, Dried Egg Product, Tomato Pomace, Dried Kale, Dried Pumpkin, Dried Spinach, Dried Blueberries, Dried Apples, Dried Carrots, Zinc Sulfate, Niacin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Selenium Yeast, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.
7. Blue Wilderness Small Breed Chicken Recipe
A grain-free kibble made of real chicken with no artificial colors and preservatives added.
About: Like virtually every other food made by Blue Buffalo, their Blue Wilderness Small Breed Chicken recipe is a fantastic option for owners who want to give their pup the best nutrition possible. Additionally, this is a grain-free formula, which derives its carbohydrate content from things like peas, tapioca starch, and potatoes rather than wheat or corn.
As a top-notch small breed formula, this would serve as a great dog food for Yorkies too!
Features:
- Deboned chicken is the first listed ingredient
- Fortified with glucosamine to help protect your pup’s joints
- Small kibble is perfectly suited for small and toy breeds
- Formulated without any artificial flavors, artificial colors, or artificial preservatives
- Made in the USA
Pros
- Made with high-quality ingredients in a grain-free recipe suitable for dogs with grain allergies
- Several pet parents report dogs exhibiting fewer skin and coat issues after switching to the food
- Taste is a high point with most doggy diners
Cons
- Some pups refused to try the food
- Grain-free isn’t a good fit for every dog
Ingredients List
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Peas, Tapioca Starch...,
Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid), Dried Egg, Natural Chicken Flavor, Flaxseed (source of Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids), Tomato Pomace (source of Lycopene), Potatoes, Alfalfa Meal, Potato Starch, Whole Carrots, Whole Sweet Potatoes, Blueberries, Cranberries, Apples, Blackberries, Pomegranate, Spinach, Pumpkin, Barley Grass, Dried Parsley, Dried Kelp, Taurine, Yucca Schidigera Extract, L-Carnitine, L-Lysine, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Turmeric, Oil of Rosemary, Beta Carotene, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Niacin (Vitamin B3), d-Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Biotin (Vitamin B7), Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Calcium Ascorbate (source of Vitamin C), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Choline Chloride, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate, Salt, Caramel, Potassium Chloride, Dried Yeast (source of Saccharomyces cerevisiae), Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation product, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product.
8. Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Healthy Weight
Packed with lean meats and brown rice, this recipe is formulated to keep small breeds at a healthy body weight.
About: Wellness Small Breed Healthy Weight recipe is a nutritious, high-quality dog food that is specifically designed to help keep small breeds (like your Maltese) at a healthy body weight. Unlike many other weight-control formulas, Wellness Small Breed still has a taste most dogs love.
Features:
- Real turkey is the first listed ingredient
- Made with several antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, including blueberries, pumpkin, and spinach
- Made in the USA
- Backed by the manufacturer’s “Wellness Guarantee”
- Small kibble size to suit your pet’s small mouth and teeth
Pros
- Features a wealth of high-quality, nutritious ingredients while still being weight-conscious
- Most owners of small dogs found the kibble size to be perfect for petite mouths
- Several pet parents report an improvement in skin and coat condition after switching to the food
Cons
- Some pups didn’t like the flavor
- On the pricier side compared to other kibbles
Ingredients List
Deboned Turkey, Chicken Meal, Ground Brown Rice, Salmon Meal, Rye Flour...,
Ground Rice, Oatmeal, Ground Barley, Tomato Pomace, Pea Fiber, Natural Chicken Flavor, Menhaden Fish Meal, Tomatoes, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Ground Flaxseed, Carrots, Spinach, Potassium Chloride, Sweet Potatoes, Apples, Blueberries, Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Beta-Carotene, Niacin, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin, Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Biotin, Folic Acid], Minerals [Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate], Salmon Oil, Choline Chloride, Mixed Tocopherols added to preserve freshness, Taurine, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (a source of Vitamin C), L-Carnitine, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Chondroitin Sulfate, Chicory Root Extract, Yucca schidigera Extract, Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract.
9. BIXBI Liberty Freeze-Dried Dog Food
About: Keep your little one’s tummy and taste buds happy with Bixbi Liberty Freeze-Dried Dog Food, a delicious mix of organ meat and vegetables in bite-sized pellets that rehydrate with a touch of water. Grain-free, it also suits dogs with grain allergies.
Features:
- Limited ingredient list ideal for dogs with allergies or intolerances
- Provides many of the upsides of raw with less risk and mess
- Meets AAFCO nutrient profile for All Life Stages
- Made in the USA without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
Options: Offered in Beef, Chicken, and Lamb recipes.
Pros
- Picky pups seem to go gaga for it
- Kibblet size perfect for petite Maltese mouths
- Rich in quality ingredients like organ meat
Cons
- Expensive
- May be too rich for some dogs’ tummies
Ingredients (Lamb):
Ingredients List
Lamb Heart, Lamb Liver, Ground Lamb Bone, Squash, Apples...,
Carrots, Broccoli, Eggs, Ground Flaxseed, Inulin, Blueberries, Cranberries, Apple Cider Vinegar, Dried Kelp, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Chloride, Salmon Oil, Fish Oil, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Mixed Tocopherols
10. Diamond Naturals Small Breed
A small-breed kibble containing extras like prebiotics and probiotics at a wallet-friendly price point.
About: Diamond Naturals Small Breed is a budget-friendly option for Maltese with its petite kibblets and small-dog-focused recipe that keeps dogs fueled between meals with hearty grains, high-quality protein, and real fruits and vegetables. A mix of prebiotics and probiotics also offer digestive support, aiding in firmer, healthier poops.
Features:
- Real meat is the primary ingredient
- Enriched with fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
- Antioxidants give your pup’s immune system a helping hand
- Made in the USA with globally-sourced ingredients
Options: Small Breed Adult is offered in Chicken and Rice and Lamb and Rice. Also available in Puppy.
Pros
- Affordable pricing for such a solid food offering a meat-forward recipe with a bounty of veggies
- Great extras like probiotics for digestive support and omega-3s for nourishing skin and coat
- Most owners report being pleased with the food’s quality
Cons
- Super picky Maltese may need enticing to give it a try
- Limited protein options
Ingredients (Small Breed Chicken and Rice):
Ingredients List
Chicken, Chicken Meal, Cracked Pearled Barley, Ground White Rice, Grain Sorghum...,
Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Egg Product, Dried Beet Pulp, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Choline Chloride, Dried Chicory Root, L-Carnitine, Kale, Chia Seed, Pumpkin, Blueberries, Oranges, Quinoa, Dried Kelp, Coconut, Spinach, Carrots, Papaya, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product, Vitamin E Supplement, Beta Carotene, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Thiamine Mononitrate, Manganese Proteinate, Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid
11. CANIDAE All Life Stages
About: Canidae All Life Stages is a picky pup’s best friend with its savory meat-forward recipe featuring broth for added taste and hydration. Grain-inclusive, it also fuels your pup for adventure between meals.
Features:
- Meat is always the primary ingredient
- Healthy fats aid in skin and coat health
- All Life Stages recipe is great for growing with your pup or serving multi-dog households
- Made in the USA
Options: Available in Chicken and Rice, Lamb and Rice, and Chicken, Lamb, and Fish recipes.
Pros
- Texture is easy to serve on its own or to mix into food
- Taste is a high point with most dogs
- Pricing isn’t too bad for the quality
Cons
- A wider protein selection would be nice
- Not every dog can tolerate the mixed protein options
Ingredients (Chicken and Rice):
Ingredients List
Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Dried Egg Product, Brown Rice...,
Pearled Barley, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Salmon Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Sunflower Oil, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Agar-agar, Choline Chloride, Canola Oil, Dried Kelp, Dried Cranberries, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Sulfate, Niacin Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Zinc Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Iron Proteinate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Copper Sulfate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Manganese Proteinate, Potassium Iodide, Riboflavin Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Cobalt Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Rosemary Extract
Things to Look For in Any Dog Food (Maltese or Otherwise)
Whether you are trying to feed a Maltese or a Mastiff, there are a few basic characteristics you should demand of any food for your pooch, ensuring well-rounded nutrition.
When browsing the dog food aisle, consider:
Opt for foods with a protein as the primary ingredient.
Dogs may be omnivores, but they have a serious need for protein, which is best provided in the form of a whole protein.
Because of this, you’ll want to look for foods that feature chicken, beef, lamb, salmon, duck, or some similar ingredient as the first listed item.
Look for foods using natural sources of color, flavor, and preservatives.
Artificial additives are often identified as allergens in dogs who suffer from food allergies and should be avoided whenever possible. Fortunately, artificial additives are largely unnecessary, and premium manufacturers now tend to avoid them.
Foods that are made with high-quality meats, carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables, and fats tend to taste good on their own – there’s no reason to add artificial flavors. Artificial colors can also be left out, as they are used to make food appear more appetizing to you – not your dog.
Similarly, naturally occurring tocopherols can be used to preserve products, so artificial preservatives are also unnecessary.
Seek out foods made in countries with strong proper food-safety protocols.
Food safety and quality-control regulations vary widely from one country to the next, so it is always wise to stick to foods that are made in countries with strict, rather than lax, procedures and protocols in place. This will not eliminate the possibility of obtaining a bag of contaminated or otherwise unsuitable food, but it significantly reduces the chances of this occurring.
By and large, this means choosing foods made in the United States, Canada, Western Europe, New Zealand, or Australia.
Stick with foods using identified meats, meal meals, or meat byproducts.
There is nothing inherently wrong with meat meals or meat byproducts. In fact, these can be valuable ingredients: Meat meals have much more protein per unit of weight than whole proteins do, and byproducts often serve as important sources of things like glucosamine. Many fish meals are also great sources of omega fatty acids.
However, some rendering plants (places where these types of products are often made) are thought to add a variety of different animals to these mixes, which may ruin the value of a food or even make it dangerous in some cases.
One way to avoid this is by only purchasing foods that contain specifically identified meat meals and byproducts. In other words, chicken byproducts are fine; poultry byproducts are not. Beef meal is fine; meat meal is not.
A Quick Word About Breed-Specific Dog Foods
Some manufacturers produce recipes aimed at various breeds – including Maltese. While these often attract the attention of well-meaning owners, you need to dig deeper before assuming that such foods are ideal for your pup.
Often, the only differences between these products are the labels and packaging – the recipes are frequently identical or nearly so. Additionally, breed-specific marketing doesn’t necessarily indicate that the food would even satisfy the most basic requirements you’d want in any food.
One popular brand that makes breed-specific formulas doesn’t even contain a whole protein and uses confusing language to obscure the fact that it is a corn-based recipe.
On the flip side, there is nothing wrong with a breed-specific formula; but the differences need to make sense for the breed in question and go beyond the packaging.
Best Dog Food for Maltese FAQ
Have some lingering questions about filling your Maltese’s dish? Check out these commonly asked questions surrounding the topic.
What dog food is best for a Maltese?
The best food for your Maltese varies from dog to dog. What works great for one dog may not work so great for another. To select the best dog food for your Maltese, ensure the product meets AAFCO standards for his life stage and that it addresses any health conditions he has. Also, make sure your vet agrees with your choice.
What should I not feed my Maltese dog?
You should avoid foods loaded with artificial dyes, flavors, and preservatives that can upset your pup’s stomach. You should also avoid foods that don’t feature a protein source as the first listed ingredient.
In addition, skip table scraps and toxic foods like onions, chocolate, and garlic.
What nutrition do Maltese dogs need?
Being a toy breed, the Maltese has a unique set of dietary needs. For one, your Maltese’s food should be a small-breed recipe made to fuel a tiny dog with less kibble, as small stomachs can only hold so much. Ideally, it should also be crunchy to help clean his teeth and keep dental issues at bay.
Are Maltese very picky eaters?
Maltese do have a reputation for being picky. You can tempt your pupper to eat by adding a small amount of water to his kibble, adding a meal topper, or stirring in some wet food.
As tempting as it is, skip home-cooked food, as these pups often have sensitive stomachs and are prone to weight gain. Not to mention, homemade dog foods aren’t properly balanced by a canine nutritionist.
What are healthy Maltese foods?
Healthy foods for Maltese come in various forms, with the healthiest option for your dog affected by numerous factors. Overall, Blue Buffalo’s Small Breed Life Protection Formula is a solid kibble choice for most Maltese, along with Wellness Core Small Breed Recipe.
We’d love to hear about your experiences with feeding your Maltese. Let us know about your experiences – both good and bad — with various brands and products (particularly if you’ve used one of those we recommend above)!
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