As pet owners, we want nothing but the best for our furry friends. When it comes to Maltese dogs, finding the right dog food is crucial for their overall health and wellbeing.
Maltese dogs are small and have unique nutritional requirements that differ from other breeds. Therefore, it is essential to choose a high-quality dog food that is specifically formulated for their needs.
In this article, we will discuss the best dog food for Maltese in 2023. We have carefully selected the top 6 options based on their ingredients, nutritional value, and unique features that cater to the needs of Maltese dogs. Whether you have a Maltese puppy or a senior dog, we’ve got you covered.
Read on to discover the best dog food options for your furry friend.
- Royal Canin Breed Maltese Adult Dry Dog Food – Best for overall health and wellbeing
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food – Best for healthy coat and skin
- Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Small Breed Wet Dog Food – Best for digestive health
- Wellness CORE Grain-Free Small Breed Dry Dog Food – Best for weight management
- Nutro Natural Choice Puppy Dry Dog Food – Best for puppies
- Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Small Paws Dry Dog Food – Best for seniors
Grain vs Grain-Free Food
One of the ongoing debates in the pet food industry is whether or not grains should be included in dog food. Grains like corn, wheat, and rice are common ingredients in many commercial dog foods, but some pet owners prefer grain-free options.
However, it’s important to note that grains can be a valuable source of carbohydrates, fiber, and essential nutrients. In fact, many high-quality dog foods contain whole grains as a key ingredient.
When it comes to Maltese dogs, they can benefit from a diet that includes grains. Maltese dogs are small and active, and they need a diet that is rich in carbohydrates to provide them with the energy they need.
Whole grains like brown rice and barley are excellent sources of complex carbohydrates that can help to fuel your Maltese’s activity levels. Additionally, grains can provide fiber that helps support digestive health.
Wet vs Dry Dog Food
Another important factor to consider when choosing the best dog food for your Maltese is whether to feed them wet or dry food. Wet food has a higher moisture content and can be a good option for dogs that need to increase their water intake or have dental issues. Dry food, on the other hand, is more convenient and can be easier to store and handle.
For Maltese dogs, both wet and dry food can be suitable options, depending on their individual needs. Wet food can be especially beneficial for dogs that have difficulty chewing or swallowing, as it is easier to digest.
However, if your Maltese has healthy teeth and gums, dry food can be a convenient and nutritious option. It’s important to note that wet food is typically more expensive than dry food, so consider your budget when making a decision.
Ultimately, the best dog food for your Maltese will depend on their individual needs, preferences, and health status. It’s important to choose a high-quality dog food that is specifically formulated for small breed dogs and meets all of their nutritional requirements.
Consulting with your veterinarian can also help you make an informed decision on the best dog food for your Maltese. Check out our article on Wet vs. Dry Dog Food for more information!
Product Reviews
Royal Canin Breed Maltese Adult Dry Dog Food
- First 5 ingredients: Brewers Rice, Corn, Chicken By-Product Meal, Chicken Fat, Wheat Gluten
- Crude Protein: 22.0% min
- Crude Fat: 16.0% min
- Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Maltese Adult Dry Dog Food is specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of adult Maltese dogs. This high-quality dog food contains a balanced blend of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to provide your Maltese with the energy they need to stay active and healthy.
One of the key ingredients in this dog food is chicken by-product meal, which is a highly concentrated source of protein. This helps to support the growth and maintenance of lean muscle mass, which is important for keeping your Maltese active and healthy. Additionally, the brown rice and brewers rice in this dog food provide a source of carbohydrates that can help to sustain energy levels and promote healthy digestion.
Another important ingredient in this dog food is chicken fat, which is a rich source of omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-6 fatty acids are essential for maintaining healthy skin and a shiny coat, which is especially important for Maltese dogs. This dog food also contains a blend of vitamins and minerals that support overall health and wellbeing, including vitamin E, vitamin C, and zinc.
Overall, we chose Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Maltese Adult Dry Dog Food as the best option for overall health and wellbeing because it provides a balanced blend of high-quality proteins, fats, and carbohydrates that are specifically tailored to meet the needs of Maltese dogs. With a 4.7 out of 5-star rating on Chewy.com, it’s clear that many pet owners have found this dog food to be a great choice for their furry friends.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal
- Crude Protein: 26.0% min
- Crude Fat: 15.0% min
- Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food is a great option for promoting healthy skin and coat in Maltese dogs. This high-quality dog food is made with real deboned chicken, chicken meal, and a variety of whole grains to provide your dog with a balanced and nutritious diet.
One of the key ingredients in this dog food is deboned chicken, which is a rich source of high-quality protein. Protein is important for maintaining lean muscle mass and providing energy, but it also plays a crucial role in the health of your dog’s skin and coat. The amino acids in protein help to support healthy skin and coat by promoting the production of collagen and elastin, which are important for skin elasticity and overall coat health.
This dog food also contains a variety of ingredients that are rich in essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6. These fatty acids are important for promoting healthy skin and coat, as well as supporting the immune system, reducing inflammation, and promoting brain health.
That being said, Blue Buffalo’s Small Breed Food is one of the best options for promoting a healthy coat and skin in Maltese dogs because it contains high-quality proteins and essential fatty acids that are specifically tailored to meet the needs of small breed dogs.
With a 4.8 out of 5-star rating on Chewy.com, it’s clear that many pet owners have found this dog food to be a great choice for promoting healthy skin and coat in their furry friends.
Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Small Breed Wet Dog Food
- First 5 ingredients: Beef, Beef Broth, Venison Broth, Beef Liver, Dried Egg Whites
- Crude Protein: 8.0% min
- Crude Fat: 3.5% min
- Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Small Breed Wet Dog Food Teeny Texas Steak Tips Dinner is a great option for promoting digestive health in Maltese dogs. This high-quality wet dog food is made with real deboned beef, beef broth, and a variety of other nutritious ingredients to provide your dog with a balanced and easy-to-digest meal.
We’re a big fan of this wet dog food for digestive health. It contains a variety of nutritious ingredients that are easy for your dog to digest such as beef broth and dried egg product. Additionally, it is free from grains, which can be difficult for some dogs to digest and can cause digestive upset.
Wet dog food can be especially good for digestive health because of the water content. If your pup doesn’t drink enough water, it could cause them to become constipated.
The deboned beef in this food is a great source of high-quality protein. Protein is important for maintaining lean muscle mass and providing energy, but it also plays a crucial role in the health of your dog’s digestive system. The amino acids in protein help to support the growth and repair of the cells that line the digestive tract, which can improve overall digestive function.
We chose Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Small Breed Wet Dog Food Teeny Texas Steak Tips Dinner as the best option for promoting digestive health in Maltese dogs because it contains high-quality proteins and is free from grains, which can be difficult for some dogs to digest. With a 4.6 out of 5-star rating on Chewy.com, it’s clear that many pet owners have found this dog food to be a great choice for promoting digestive health in their furry friends.
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Small Breed Dry Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Peas, Potatoes
- Crude Protein: 36% min
- Crude Fat: 15% min
- Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Small Breed Turkey & Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food is made with high-quality ingredients that are specially formulated for small breed dogs. The first five ingredients in this recipe are deboned turkey, turkey meal, chicken meal, peas, and potatoes, which are all excellent sources of protein and other essential nutrients. This recipe is also completely grain-free, which is great for dogs with grain allergies or sensitivities.
One of the key features of this dog food is that it is designed to help small breed dogs manage their weight. The high protein content helps to support lean muscle mass, while the lower fat content helps to prevent excess weight gain. This makes it an ideal option for small breed dogs that are prone to obesity or weight gain.
Another important ingredient in this recipe is probiotics, which help to support digestive health. This is important for all dogs, but especially for small breed dogs, which can be prone to digestive issues.
Overall, Wellness CORE Grain-Free Small Breed Turkey & Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food is an excellent option for small breed dogs that need help managing their weight. With high-quality ingredients and a focus on nutrition and digestive health, this dog food is sure to keep your dog healthy and happy.
Nutro Natural Choice Puppy Dry Dog Food
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Barley, Brewers Rice, Whole Grain Brown Rice
- Crude protein content: 26.0% minimum
- Crude fat content: 15.0% minimum
- Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Nutro Natural Choice Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food is a high-quality dog food that is specially formulated for puppies. This dry dog food is made with real chicken as the first ingredient, followed by chicken meal and whole brown rice, which provides a good source of protein and energy. It also contains essential vitamins and minerals to support a healthy immune system, as well as antioxidants for overall health.
One of the most important ingredients in this puppy food is chicken, which is an excellent source of protein and essential amino acids that are important for growth and development. Whole brown rice is also a great source of carbohydrates and fiber, which can help to regulate digestion and keep your puppy’s digestive system healthy.
What sets Nutro Natural Choice Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food apart from other puppy foods is that it is free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. This means that you can feel good about feeding your puppy a natural and healthy diet that will provide all the essential nutrients they need for optimal growth and development.
Overall, Nutro Natural Choice Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food is the best choice for puppies because it is made with high-quality ingredients, provides essential nutrients for growth and development, and is free from artificial additives.
Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Small Paws Dry Dog Food
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken Meal, Cracked Pearled Barley, Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Whole Grain Wheat
- Crude Protein Content: 19.5%
- Crude Fat Content: 12.5%
- Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Small Paws Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice for senior dogs. The first ingredient, chicken meal, is a great source of protein that supports muscle maintenance and growth. The combination of cracked pearled barley and brown rice provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.
Additionally, this dog food contains antioxidants that can boost the immune system and improve overall health. The recipe is also easy to digest, which is especially important for senior dogs with sensitive stomachs.
The high-quality ingredients in this dog food can help keep senior dogs healthy and happy in their golden years. That’s why we highly recommend Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Small Paws Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food for senior dogs.
FAQs
What are the specific nutritional needs of Maltese dogs?
Maltese dogs require a diet that is high in protein, moderate in fat, and low in carbohydrates. They need a diet that provides them with essential vitamins and minerals, especially calcium and phosphorus, which are important for maintaining healthy bones and teeth.
How much should I feed my Maltese?
The amount of food you should feed your Maltese depends on their age, weight, and activity level. As a general rule, adult Maltese dogs should be fed 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry dog food per day, split into two meals.
However, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian for specific feeding recommendations for your dog.
Should I feed my Maltese wet or dry dog food?
Both wet and dry dog food can be suitable for Maltese dogs, but dry food is typically recommended because it helps to keep their teeth clean and promotes good oral health. However, if your Maltese is prone to dental problems or is a picky eater, wet food can be a good option.
Are there any ingredients that I should avoid in my Maltese’s food?
It’s important to avoid foods that contain artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors, as well as foods that are high in carbohydrates and low in protein.
Additionally, some dogs may have allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients, such as grains or poultry, so it’s important to be aware of your dog’s specific needs and preferences.
Can I give my Maltese human food?
While it’s tempting to share your food with your furry friend, it’s important to be cautious about feeding your Maltese human food. Some human foods, such as chocolate, grapes, and onions, can be toxic to dogs, while others may upset their stomachs or cause obesity if given in excess.
If you want to give your dog human food, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian first.
Guide to Finding the Best Dog Food for Maltese
Maltese Macros
Macronutrients are essential for a dog’s health, and it’s crucial to ensure your Maltese is getting the right amount of protein, fat, and carbohydrates in their diet.
Protein: Protein is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue and maintaining healthy skin and coat. Maltese dogs require a high-quality protein source to support their active lifestyle. The recommended daily intake for protein in Maltese dogs is 25-30% of their diet.
Fat: Fat is a primary energy source for dogs and helps maintain a healthy coat and skin. Maltese dogs are prone to dry skin, and a diet high in fat can help prevent skin issues. The recommended daily intake for fat in Maltese dogs is 15-20% of their diet.
Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are an excellent source of energy for dogs. However, Maltese dogs require a lower amount of carbohydrates in their diet due to their small size and metabolism. The recommended daily intake for carbohydrates in Maltese dogs is 30-40% of their diet.
Maltese Health Issues
Maltese dogs are prone to several health issues that can be prevented or managed with proper nutrition. Here are some of the most common health issues that Maltese dogs face and how proper nutrition can help prevent or manage them:
Dental Health: Maltese dogs are susceptible to dental problems, including tartar buildup and gum disease. Feeding your Maltese a diet that includes hard kibble can help keep their teeth clean and healthy. Additionally, dental chews or toys can also help improve dental health.
Skin and Coat Issues: Maltese dogs are prone to skin and coat issues such as dry skin and hair loss. A diet rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can help improve skin and coat health. Foods that contain fish, flaxseed, and chicken are excellent sources of these fatty acids.
Eye Health: Maltese dogs are prone to eye issues such as cataracts and dry eye syndrome. Feeding your Maltese a diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E can help prevent these issues. Foods that contain sweet potato, carrots, and spinach are excellent sources of these vitamins.
Digestive Health: Maltese dogs are prone to digestive issues such as diarrhea and vomiting. Feeding your Maltese a diet rich in fiber can help regulate their digestive system. Foods that contain pumpkin, sweet potato, and brown rice are excellent sources of fiber.
Overall, feeding your Maltese a high-quality diet that includes a balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates can help prevent and manage common health issues. Be sure to read the ingredients list and nutritional information on dog food labels to ensure you’re providing your Maltese with the best nutrition possible.
