For such as small size, Maltese are a hardy breed and excellent watchdogs. They can be absolutely fearless and love all sorts of activities including agility.
Despite their long coat, they don’t shed very much, but you will need to add regular grooming to your list to keep the coat shiny and trimmed correctly.
They have very long lives like many toy brands and will need proper health and nutritional support to make the most of those very long years.
Their long lives mean they’ll need a proper start in puppy-hood and adulthood to keep their quality of living high. Just because a dog does liver for longer than average doesn’t mean it’s a good time.
Maltese' that have proper nutrition can stave off a lot of the issues prevalent in senior Maltese dogs.
They don’t need much food to maintain proper weight, so quality foods help the Maltese get all the appropriate protein and nutrients without adding a lot of extra calories.
Maltese are also prone to dental problems, so proper nutrition can build that healthy dental foundation to prevent issues later.
Best Dog Food for Maltese
We’ve put together a list of our top picks for best Maltese food covering all life stages so you can support your furry companion’s health and well-being.
They have created several dog food recipes, including beef, turkey, chicken and lamb, or you can splurge and try their variety pack! These recipes are made with restaurant-quality ingredients that are prepared carefully and cooked fresh on a weekly basis.
These meals are not only great for your pup, they are also ultra-convenient for you! They show up directly at your front door, are kept cool for freshness, and are vacuum sealed to make it easy for you to provide quality meals to your fluffy bestie.
About the Company
Ollie strives to provide pets with full spectrum, raw meals for health and proper digestion. You can customize your meal plan, and recipes and several tubs will arrive at your door. No fuss. They’re simple to serve and mimic an ancestral canine diet.
Pros
Deliver door to door
Human-grade ingredients
Whole, fresh ingredients
Multiple recipe options
Easy serving sizes
Cons
Requires cold storage
2. Purina Pro Plan Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice
First 5 ingredients:
Chicken, Rice, Poultry By-product Meal (Source Of Glucosamine), Beef Fat Preserved With Mixed-tocopherols, Corn Gluten Meal
Protein: 29.0% min
Fat: 17.0% min
Fiber: 3.0% max
Moisture: 12.0% max
Food Type: Dry
Best for: All Lifestages, Extra Small – Small Breeds
This formula is made with real chicken to provide dense nutrition and protein with a flavor your pup will drool over.
The incorporation of guaranteed live probiotics makes this recipe an excellent choice for dogs that have sensitive digestive systems – it provides nourishment for the good bacteria in your pup’s intestines, helping to ease the digestion process.
In addition, rice is incorporated to deliver carbs with easy to digest ingredients. There is also fish oil in this formula, so your pup is getting omega fatty acids to encourage joint health and mobility along with support for skin and coat health.
There are no fillers in this dry dog food, and it is even pea-free for pups allergic to this ingredient.
About the Company
Purina Dog Food has been an established and beloved dog food brand on the market for more than 80 years. Purina continues to provide top quality products for dogs, year in and year out.
Your dog will not be disappointed when they taste the great flavors infused in Purina’s formula and you will be over-the-moon with the fresh ingredients in the formula
Pros
Made with high-quality protein
Real chicken as the #1 ingredient
100% complete and balanced meal
Specially designed to help your adult dog thrive
With live probiotics to support digestive health
Cons
Kibbles are a bit big
Picky eaters don't like it
3. Cesar Filet Mignon Flavor & Spring Vegetables
First 5 ingredients:
Beef, Ground Wheat, Meat and Bone Meal, Whole Grain Corn, Brewers Rice
Protein: 26.0% min
Fat: 12.5% min
Fiber: 4.5% max
Moisture: 12.0% max
Food Type: Dry
Best for: All Lifestages, Extra Small – Small Breeds
This kibble is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.
This dry dog food puts taste and nutrition in one convenient bag. Made with high-quality meat as the first ingredient plus a garnish of spring veggies, it’s just the type of high-protein meal that your pup deserves.
And with meaty, tender chunks throughout the crunchy kibble pieces, he’ll love the texture and variety, and you’ll love that he’s getting complete nutrition that’s packed with a whopping 26 nutrients for small dog needs.
About the Company:
Cesar dog food products are manufactured in the United States under the Mars Petcare division of Mars, Inc. The company (Mars) manufactures many products for human and pet use and consumption. The company's headquarters is in McLean, Virginia.
Pros
Gourmet recipe
Re-sealable zipper
Savory filet mignon flavor
Crafted with 26 nutrients
Made with real beef
“H” shape kibbles that helps keep teeth and gums
Cons
Finicky eaters may not like it
Not ideal for dogs with allergies/sensitivities
4. Merrick Lil' Plates Real Beef & Sweet Potato
First 5 ingredients:
Deboned Beef, Pork And Bone Meal, Salmon Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes
Protein: 32.0% min
Fat: 15.0% min
Fiber: 3.5% max
Moisture: 11.0% max
Food Type: Dry
Best for: All Lifestages, Extra Small – Small Breeds
Merrick Lil' Plates is a protein-packed, small bite kibble designed for the mouths of small breeds. It uses whole beef for a complete protein source as the first ingredient plus whole fruits and vegetables for a comprehensive set of vitamins and minerals.
It’s grain free and contains no soy or corn fillers. Flaxseed provides a good source of fatty acids to support skin and coat health.
It’s gluten-free and offers a broad spectrum of digestive probiotics to help your Maltese digest the food thoroughly and cut down on any issues with sensitive tummies.
About The Company
Merrick is a small, US-based company that creates all its pet food recipes right in its organic kitchen. It strives to provide dogs with quality, nutrient dense food that can support a lifetime of health and well-being. It doesn’t use any fillers or artificial colors, and all meats are quality sources.
Pros
Small kibble size
Zero fillers
Features 2 protein sources
Has probiotics for sensitive tummies
Flaxseed for coat support and better digestion
Cons
Contains potatoes and peas
Taste may not appeal to picky dogs
5. Ultimate Pet Nutrition Nutra Complete Infusions Duck
First 5 ingredients:
Duck, Duck Heart, Duck Liver, Duck Gizzard, Chicken Bone Broth
This is a high-quality, nutrient-rich option designed for pet owners who want to provide their dogs with the benefits of a raw diet in a convenient, freeze-dried format.
Made with premium-grade duck as its primary ingredient, this formula offers a protein-rich meal that supports muscle health, energy, and overall vitality.
The duck is minimally processed to retain essential nutrients and is complemented by a blend of superfoods like blueberries, spinach, and sweet potatoes, adding antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins.
Each piece is carefully freeze-dried to lock in both flavor and nutrition, making it easy to serve while ensuring the taste remains fresh and enticing for dogs.
It also includes beneficial probiotics to support healthy digestion and a well-balanced gut microbiome, making it ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs or those prone to digestive issues.
The formula is free from artificial preservatives, fillers, and common allergens, creating a natural and wholesome feeding experience.
With its raw-infused flavor, this dog food offers a balanced, nutritious diet that promotes overall health, strong immunity, and a shiny coat, all in a palatable, easy-to-serve meal.
About The Company
Founded by Dr. Gary Richter, a renowned veterinarian and pet health expert, the brand focuses on delivering optimal nutrition through natural, nutrient-dense ingredients designed to support pets' overall health and longevity.
Committed to quality, Ultimate Pet Nutrition uses minimally processed, responsibly sourced ingredients in their formulas to preserve maximum nutritional value.
With a mission to help pets thrive, the brand has built a reputation for its freeze-dried and supplement products that provide essential nutrients and promote healthy digestion, strong immunity, and vitality.
Pros
No preservatives
Zero artificial colors
95% animal-sourced protein
Rich in probiotics and antioxidants
Higher protein and carbs for small breeds
Cons
Picky eaters don't like it
6. Natural Balance LID Salmon & Sweet Potato Small Breed Bites
First 5 ingredients:
Salmon, Menhaden Fish Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Tapioca Starch, Potatoes
Protein: 24.0% min
Fat: 10.0% min
Fiber: 4.0% max
Moisture: 10.0% max
Food Type: Dry
Best for: All Lifestages, Extra Small – Small Breeds
This sweet potato and fish recipe has only a few ingredients that deliver limited carbs and omit artificial additives and needless fillers.
The primary animal protein source in this formula is salmon and fiber and is delivered via sweet potatoes to support a well-functioning digestive system. The omega fatty acids in this dry dog food are great for helping your pup maintain good skin health and they also promote a healthy, shiny coat.
This formula is an excellent choice if your dog suffers from common allergies or has a sensitive digestive system. A diet with limited ingredients does not have to skimp on flavor or balanced nutrition and Natural Balance proves that with this product.
About The Company
Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance Pet Foods is an American pet food manufacturer with its headquarters located in Burbank, Los Angeles, California. Established in 1989 by actor Dick Van Patten, the company markets itself as “Food For a Lifetime” and promotes itself as having “the finest food you can buy for your pet.”
Pros
No common allergens
Recipe is made without grains
Designed specifically for smaller jaws
Limited-ingredient dry food for small dogs
Features real salmon as the very first ingredient
Tasty, balanced nutrition for pups with sensitive tummies
Cons
This formula is not certified organic
Recipe may contain genetically modified ingredients (GMOs)
Nulo’s wet puppy food uses a rich duck recipe for protein sources plus chickpeas for energy throughout the day. It’s formulated for puppies and small breeds, so it’s easy to digest but provides steady, consistent strength despite your Maltese’s high metabolism.
It’s a low glycemic formula, so it gives your puppy a great start in the weight department. It supplements protein with sources from whole turkey, so your pup gets a complete protein source.
About The Company
Nulo started ten years ago in the search for better, nutrient dense pet foods. The food is designed in the way diets are for athletes, to support performance and prevent energy crashes throughout the day. There are no artificial flavors or cheap fillers in any of their products, and they’re proudly manufactured in the USA.
This kibble is specifically formulated for adult dogs with sensitive stomachs and skin. Made with high-quality ingredients, this gentle formula includes easily digestible chicken as its main protein source to support lean muscle maintenance while being kind to sensitive digestive systems.
Enhanced with prebiotic fiber, this dog food promotes healthy digestion by fostering a balanced gut microbiome, making it ideal for dogs prone to digestive upsets.
It also contains vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids, which nourish the skin and coat, helping to reduce itchiness and maintain a healthy, shiny coat. Designed as small, bite-sized kibble, it’s perfect for dogs who prefer smaller pieces, making it easier to chew and digest.
Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, Hill's Science Diet prioritizes wholesome, natural ingredients to support long-term health.
This balanced nutrition offers not only targeted benefits for sensitive stomachs and skin but also meets the broader nutritional needs of adult dogs, promoting their overall health, vitality, and well-being.
About The Company
Hill's Science Diet is a trusted pet food brand with a legacy of over 75 years in veterinary nutrition, dedicated to creating scientifically formulated diets for pets.
Founded by Dr. Mark Morris Sr., a pioneering veterinarian, Hill's started with a mission to develop specialized nutrition to support pets with health issues. Today, it continues to be at the forefront of pet nutrition, working with veterinarians and pet nutritionists to craft high-quality, research-based formulas.
Pros
Made from real chicken
Rich in good fatty acids and Vit. E
Recommended by veterinarians
Great kibble size for good teeth
Suitable for sensitive tummies
Cons
Not gluten free
With grains
9. Merrick Lil' Plates Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Senior
Merrick’s Lil’ Plates is designed for small breed teeth and mouths. Seniors need extra joint and skin care as well as something that will maintain weight.
It uses real chicken and sweet potato for balanced protein and energy sources throughout the day. Real fruits and vegetables provide vitamins and antioxidants to maintain a healthy immune system.
Probiotics and prebiotics provide digestive system support, and essential fatty acids maintain the skin and coat. There are no artificial colors and no cheap fillers that can irritate allergies.
About The Company
Merrick’s values help the company create quality foods that support your Maltese even into the senior years. It uses only premium ingredients for kibble, and many pet owners see improvements after switching from cheap dog foods.
Pros
Small kibble
No cheap fillers
Helps with weight
Protein/carb balance
With probiotics and prebiotics
Cons
Uses potatoes and peas
Only 4 and 12 lb bags
10. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Senior
First 5 ingredients:
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Barley
The Life Protection formula is for small breed seniors who may need extra vitamin and antioxidant support. It uses Blue’s trademark LifeSource bits, freeze-dried blends of essential nutrients nestled in with the kibble.
The first ingredient is whole, deboned chicken for complete protein. Brown rice is a slow release carbohydrate that helps senior Maltese dogs maintain energy levels without adding in extra calories.
Glucosamine and chondroitin provide joint support and essential fatty acids keep the skin and coat supple.
About The Company
Blue Buffalo uses only quality ingredients to support your senior small breed’s changing needs. It provides the building blocks of nutrition to help your senior even in the final stages of life.
Royal Canin’s Maltese food is created for the needs of the Maltese breed and other small dog breeds. Chicken by-product meal is the main animal protein source in this kibble, with fish oil for the fatty acids pack.
If you have a Maltese pup, then this food is a great diet to lighten their tear stains. We can all agree that this breed is a certified looker, so getting rid of those unsightly Maltese tear stains is obligatory.
Of course, this dog food is also abundant in essential vitamins and minerals to keep your tail-wagger healthy and strong.
3 Common Health Issues
The Maltese is a pretty hardy breed compared to some of its other toy breed companions, but that doesn’t mean you have nothing to watch out for. Here are a few things likely to occur in your Maltese’s health.
Dental Issues – Larger breeds of dogs have more space between teeth, so bacteria have nowhere to take refuge. Smaller breeds frequently have crowded mouths, and because they don’t have as much space between teeth, plaque buildup can cause major issues later. Dry kibble can help remove plaque in between teeth cleanings and keep that build up at bay.
Skin Issues – Dogs with a single layer coat are frequently subject to skin irritations. While you can’t do anything about your Maltese’s environmental triggers, you can feed it food without common fillers such as corn or soy.
These fillers help reduce the cost of the food but are frequent suspects in food allergies that manifest as skin irritations. Essential fatty acids help hydrate the skin and build a healthy coat. Foods that provide a spectrum of these fatty acids help soothe irritated skin over time and keep it supple even in older age.
Weight Issues – Maltese are picky, but they’re also a toy breed. Adding even a half a pound of excess weight can have detrimental effects on their bone structure and joints. Food must have dense nutrition because padding on empty calories causes weight gain and a reduction in activity.
It’s a vicious cycle. Maltese are prone to trouble with knee joints and hip dysplasia, two conditions worsened by excess weight. In addition to foods that support these joints, keeping a tight grip on weight ensures a much better quality of life, especially for your senior Maltese.
What to Look For in a Quality Dog Food
Your Maltese needs around 200 calories per day to maintain weight. That’s it. The food that you choose should get calories only from quality ingredients without known fillers. Foods that are heavy in whole proteins can keep your Maltese stronger and healthier and slow, release carbohydrates help maintain energy.
Dry kibble is preferred because it can help scrape plaque from the teeth and remove bacteria in between your professional cleanings. If you choose a wet food, you may want to add dry kibble to it for dental hygiene purposes.
Foods with glucosamine and chondroitin can help your senior Maltese with joint issues, and calcium may help keep bones from becoming too fragile (and as a toy breed, your Maltese will need all the bone reinforcement it can get). Essential fatty acids can protect the skin and coat.
Ingredients to Avoid
Budget dog food companies often use a long list of fillers to help reduce the cost of dog foods. Fillers may help your Maltese feel full, but they can wreak havoc on its health and well-being.
Corn and soy are two common fillers that cause weight gain and provide empty calories that do nothing to support your dog’s immune system or musculoskeletal structure. Soy is a typical food allergen as well, which can cause itchy, inflamed skin and sore spots.
A tentative link has been revealed between diets high in potatoes and legumes and a congenital condition called canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).
The research is still preliminary, but you may want to use your best judgment on these ingredients. We recommend staying away from foods in which potatoes or legumes are listed in the first three ingredients.
A few very common brands to avoid because of fillers and food allergens are Beneful and Kibbles N Bits. These both use fillers and lower quality ingredients to help reduce the cost of the food. Another frequent offender is Ol Roy.
What you save in dog food each month may get spent on extra veterinarian trips, so take the long view and invest in your dog’s health and well-being.
Maltese Feeding Chart
The average adult Maltese needs just around 200 calories per day. This translates to about 50 calories per pound of body weight. If your Maltese is naturally on the larger side, your veterinarian may recommend something more. Be sure to get your vet’s advice for feeding your Maltese puppy or senior.
General recommendations are as follows:
Puppies: Puppies change a lot throughout a few months, so suggestions will change rapidly as well. Work with your vet to establish good dietary health early on.
Adults: An adult between two to four pounds will eat 1/4 to 1/2 of a cup per day. Larger adults will need 1/2 to 3/4 of a cup per day.
Seniors: Generally, senior dogs will receive the same amount of food as they did while they were younger adults. If there’s a weight or other outstanding health issue, your vet may modify those serving sizes.
Final Thoughts
Satisfying your Maltese’s picky tastes may take some adjustment, but providing quality nutrition will help your Maltese build health and maintain weight.
When choosing the best meal, it's essential to focus on their unique nutritional needs. Maltese dogs often have sensitive stomachs, delicate coats, and are prone to dental issues, so selecting high-quality food that addresses these factors is crucial.
Look for recipes with real meat as the primary ingredient, healthy fats like fish oil for skin and coat health, and avoid fillers like corn, wheat, and soy. Smaller kibble sizes are also ideal for their small mouths.
Ultimately, the best food will vary depending on your Maltese’s age, activity level, and any specific health concerns. Consulting with your veterinarian can help you determine which formula best meets their individual needs. Always monitor how your dog reacts to a new food, and adjust as needed to ensure they are thriving and enjoying their meals.
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An individual with a profound affection for animals, who was brought up in an environment surrounded by dogs, cats, and chickens. A self-taught enthusiast in the realm of pet care. At present, the proud caretaker of two rescued felines and two lovely mixed-breed canines.
