Best Food for Maltese

Maltese dogs are friendly and faithful dogs that make great pets. If you love a small dog, you might consider getting a Maltese. They are great lapdogs that are lively and playful in nature. Maltese can, however, be impatient with children but they are great pets that are affectionate and bond closely with their owners.

Maltese is a toy breed is 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 4 to 7 pounds as an adult. The dogs have long silky coat makes them a fairly high-maintenance breed.  Maltese also have a moderately high risk for health problems but they can long with a lifespan of 15 to 18 years.

To ensure that your Maltese lives long and has a healthy lifestyle, it is important for you to feed him a healthy diet. The dog breed has a sensitive digestive system and is prone to developing food allergies and sensitivities. It is advisable to feed your Maltese with food rich in quality proteins and healthy fats with other digestible ingredients.

Dog Diet Requirements

All dogs need a healthy and balanced diet to thrive and have a long life. The food should provide the dog with a balanced ratio of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Protein is very important in the dog’s diet to help in muscle growth and development. Animal proteins like meat, poultry, and fish are a great source of protein needed by your dog.

Fat is also very important in the dog’s diet. Fat is a great source of energy to keep your dog active. Active dogs such as the Maltese especially need a good source of quality fat to provide them with the energy they need. Most dog food brands use animal sources like chicken fat and salmon oil but some also use plant-based fats.

Some dog foods may also contain omega-3 and omega-6 content to give your dog a healthy and shiny coat. Dogs also need some vitamins and minerals.

The vitamins and minerals can come from fresh fruits and vegetables. You can also get dog foods with synthetic supplements to ensure nutritional balance such as Chelated minerals that make it easier for your dog’s body to absorb and utilize the nutrients in the food.

Maltese Food Needs

Maltese food requirements are based on so many factors such as the health condition of your dog and the age of the dog. In this article, we will help you understand about Maltese food requirements based on their age.

Puppy Maltese

Puppy Maltese are small and weigh about 7 pounds. Maltese puppies need a minimum of 22% protein and 8% or more fat to provide your puppy with the energy he needs to grow. Quality toy- or small-breed puppy food can provide your puppy with enough proteins and fats.

Adult Maltese

When you Maltese puppy has grown into an adult at about 12 months of age, you need to switch his food from puppy food to adult food. The adult food you choose for your dog should provide your dog with needs a minimum of 18% protein and 5% fat preferably from animal sources. It should provide the dog with enough energy to remain active and proteins to sustain lean muscle mass.

Senior Maltese

When your Maltese reaches a senior stage at around 8 or 9 years, you need to change his food to senior dog food. At this stage, the metabolism of your Maltese will start to slow down. You may need to reduce the amount you feed him to prevent him from gaining unhealthy weight.

Top 10 Best Foods for Maltese

Identifying the best food for Maltese can be challenging especially for new Maltese owners. We have provided you with reviews for 10 of the best foods for Maltese available in the market today. Here are the reviews for the 10 best dog foods to give your Maltese.

#1) Blue Buffalo Small Breed Life Protection Formula

The Blue Buffalo Small Breed Life Protection Formula is a premium product that comes at a very competitive price. The food formula features deboned chicken as the first listed ingredients. It is made in the USA and is specifically designed for small dog breeds. The dog food comes in “small-bite” kibbles that are easy for small breeds to chew.

The small breed dog food contains several omega-fatty-acid-rich ingredients to keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy and shiny. It is fortified with an array of vitamins and minerals to help boost the immunity of your canine.

The dog food has probiotics to ensure a healthy digestive system and ensure proper digestion and absorption of nutrients. It provides your dog with enough healthy fats to keep him active.

Pros

• It is a premium dog food that comes at a competitive price.
• The dog food formula is made in the USA with strict protocols to ensure hygiene and safety.
• It contains deboned chicken as the first listed ingredients.
• Blue Buffalo Small Breed Life Protection Formula comes in “small-bite” kibbles to make it easy for small dogs to chew.
• It has an array of vitamins and minerals to boost the immunity of your pet and ensure a healthy lifestyle.
• The food formula contains probiotics to ensure healthy digestion and absorption of nutrients.
• It contains omega-fatty-acid for a shiny and healthy coat for your dog.

Cons

• It contains garlic which can be a concern for some dog owners.

#2) Wellness CORE Grain-Free Small Breed Recipe

Wellness CORE Grain-Free Small Breed Recipe is a quality dog food formula that is formulated to provide the right amount of calories to meet the high energy needs of small breeds. It does not contain soy, wheat or corn, making it a great choice for canines with sensitive stomachs. The dog food contains whole proteins, nutritious fruits and vegetables, non-grain-based carbohydrates and supplements to ensure the overall health of your pet.

The food formula contains deboned turkey as the first listed ingredient.  It is rich in omega fatty acids and antioxidants to boost the immunity of your pet and ensure that he has a healthy coat.

The premium dog food is fortified with probiotics to help ensure proper digestion and abortion of nutrients. It is made in the USA. The food provides your dog with all the nutrients he needs to remain strong and healthy.

Pros

• The dog food is made in the USA.
• It provides your pet with the right amount of calories and nutrients he needs for a healthy lifestyle.
• The Wellness CORE Grain-Free Small Breed Recipe does not contain soy, wheat or corn.
• It contains deboned turkey as the first listed ingredient.
• The small breed recipe has omega fatty acids for a healthy and shiny coat and skin for your dog.
• It has probiotics to help ensure proper digestion and abortion of nutrients.

#3) Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Small Breed Recipe

The Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Small Breed Recipe is a premium, grain-free beef dog food that provides your pet with important nutrients to keep him healthy.

It is designed for small breeds in all life stages. The food can be given to adult, puppy or lactating female. It contains a high protein content of about 38%.

The small breed recipe has a high fatty acid content to ensure a healthy coat and skin. It is made in the USA and does not contain Chinese-sourced ingredients. The dog food is also free of preservatives, flavours and additives. It is also grain- and gluten-free, making it ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

The food contains chondroitin and glucosamine to support joint health of your dog. It is a quality dog food formula that most dogs find to be tasty.

Pros

• It has higher fatty acid content to provide your dog with enough energy to remain active.
• The dog food is made in the USA and does not contain any additives, preservatives or artificial flavours.
• It is grain- and gluten-free.
• The food formula is rich in chondroitin and glucosamine to support joint health.
• It can be given to adult, puppy or lactating female.
• Most dogs find the food very tasty.
• It is designed to help improve the dog’s skin and coat condition, as well as improved their energy levels.

Cons

• It is a high-cost dog food.

#4) NUTRO Ultra Small Breed Recipe

NUTRO Ultra Small Breed Recipe is a reliable small breed dog food that is made without genetically modified organisms. It contains 12 different “superfoods,” including kale, chia and coconut. The dog food formula is designed to ensure a healthy lifestyle for your dog. It has Chicken is the first listed ingredient.

The Small Breed Recipe comes in small kibbles tailored for dogs with little mouths. It does not contain corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavours or artificial preservatives.

The non-GMO dog food does not contain many ingredients, making it a great choice for dogs with stomach sensitivities. It is a great choice for dog owners who need a reliable dog food that is easy on the dog’s stomach.

Pros

• It contains kale, chia and coconut which are rich in antioxidants to boost the health and immunity of your pet.
• The dog food comes in small-sized kibbles that are easy for small dog breeds to chew.
• It has a few ingredients which make it ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
• NUTRO Ultra Small Breed Recipe does not have any corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavours or artificial preservatives.
• It contains chicken as the first listed ingredient to provide your dog with enough protein for muscle growth and development.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of the food.

#5) Blue Wilderness Small Breed Chicken Recipe

The Blue Wilderness Small Breed Chicken Recipe is a grain-free food formula that is ideal for dogs with food sensitivities. It provides your dog with carbohydrates from peas, tapioca starch and potatoes and does not contain any wheat or corn. The dog food has deboned chicken as the first listed ingredient.

The food formula is fortified with glucosamine to ensure healthy joints in dogs. It comes in small kibble that is suited for small and toy breeds. The food does not contain any artificial flavours, artificial colours or artificial preservatives.

It is made in the USA using strict protocols to ensure hygiene and safety.  Most dogs love the taste of the food recipe. It is from a reputable brand that is known to make quality dog food.

Pros

• It contains glucosamine to ensure healthy bones and joints.
• The food formula comes in small kibble that is easy for small dogs to chew.
• It is a grain-free dog food that is suitable for dogs with stomach sensitivities.
• Blue Wilderness Small Breed Chicken Recipe does not contain any artificial flavours, artificial colours or artificial preservatives.
• It has deboned chicken as the first listed ingredient to provide your dog with enough protein.
• The chicken recipe keeps your dog full and provides him with enough energy to remain active.
• Many dogs will love the taste of the food.

Cons

• Some dogs may not be happy with the taste of the recipe.

#6) Taste Of the Wild Appalachian Valley Small-Breed Grain-Free Recipe

Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Small-Breed Grain-Free Recipe is a quality dog food that contains important nutrients that your dog needs to remain healthy. It is made to meet the nutritional needs of small breeds. The food formula contains healthy animal protein and a blend of omega fatty acids for a healthy and shiny coat.

The grain-free dog food has proteins like venison, lamb, and duck to provide your dog with enough protein for muscle growth and development. It contains fresh fruits and vegetables as natural sources for key vitamins and minerals for improved immunity.

The food is supplemented with prebiotics and probiotics to support healthy and regular digestion and absorption of nutrients. It has digestible grain-free carbohydrates to keep your dog full for long without causing stomach upsets and indigestion.

Pros

• It is a grain-free dog food that is ideal for dogs with stomach sensitivities.
• The food formula has a blend of omega fatty acids to boost healthy skin and coat.
• It contains prebiotics and probiotics for healthy digestion.
• The Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Small-Breed Grain-Free Recipe includes healthy animal protein such as venison, lamb, and duck for muscle growth and development.
• It is made to meet the nutritional needs of small breeds.
• The dog food has fresh fruits and vegetables as a natural and rich source for key vitamins and minerals.

Cons

• The dog food contains some plant-based protein and fat sources.

#7) Nature’s Variety Instant Raw Boost Toy Breed Grain-Free Chicken Recipe

Nature’s Variety Instant Raw Boost Toy Breed Grain-Free Chicken Recipe is a dog food that is designed for toy breeds. It is a high-protein food that provides your dog with enough protein to help in muscle growth.

It has protein kibbles mixed with freeze-dried raw pieces. The food kibbles are well-sized to make it easier for small dogs to chew.

The high-protein kibble helps keep your dog’s teeth clean and healthy while the freeze-dried raw pieces provide a boost of nutrition and natural flavour to the dog. The food formula offers your dog 37% crude protein with 16% fat to provide the dog with energy.

It is free from artificial additives and low-quality fillers. The dog food contains prebiotics and probiotics for a healthy digestive system.

 Pros

• The food offers 37% crude protein for effective muscle growth.
• It has prebiotics and probiotics to ensure healthy digestion and food absorption.
• The food formula has 16% fat to provide your dog with enough energy to remain active.
• It comes in protein kibbles mixed with freeze-dried raw pieces to keep your dog’s teeth clean and healthy while boosting the nutrition and natural flavour of the food.
• Nature’s Variety Instant Raw Boost Toy Breed Grain-Free Chicken Recipe does not contain any artificial additives and low-quality fillers.
• It is a grain-free dog food that is suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Cons

• It is very expensive to feed as a staple diet.
• Some dogs may be sensitive to chicken ingredients.

#8) FirstMate Small Bites Australian Lamb Meal Formula LID Dry Food

FirstMate Small Bites Australian Lamb Meal Formula LID Dry Food is one of the best foods for Maltese with allergies. It has a limited number of ingredients to make digestion easy.

The dog food is specifically designed for small dog breeds. It contains Australian lamb meal as a single source of novel protein to aid in muscle growth.

The food formula contains fresh fruits and vegetables for vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It provides your pet with 78% animal-based protein and a total of 24% crude protein and 13% fat.

The fat provides your dog with enough energy to stay active while the protein help in muscle development. It is supplemented with prebiotic fibres for healthy digestion and chelated minerals for optimal nutrient absorption.

Pros

• It contains digestible grain-free carbohydrates to keep your dog full without causing any stomach upsets and indigestion.
• The dog food is formulated for small dog breeds.
• It has fresh fruits and vegetables for vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
• The dry food formula supplemented with prebiotic fibres for healthy digestion.
• It contains 13% fat to provide your dog with enough energy to remain active.
• The FirstMate Small Bites Australian Lamb Meal Formula LID Dry Food includes chelated minerals for optimal nutrient absorption.
• It has an Australian lamb meal as a single source of a novel protein.

Cons

• It is expensive to feed as a staple diet.
• The dog food is higher in protein and fat.

#9) Canidae Grain-Free PURE Petite Small Breed Salmon Formula

Canidae Grain-Free PURE Petite Small Breed Salmon Formula is a premium dog food for small dog breeds. It features 8 primary ingredients to make digestion easy.

The food has a single source of animal protein to aid in muscle growth. It contains digestible grain-free carbohydrates to keep your dog full without causing indigestion.

The formula has omega fatty acids to keep your dog’s coat healthy and shiny. It is supplemented with probiotics for healthy digestion.

The dog food does not contain any artificial additives and low-quality fillers. It has from a reputable brand thus you can be sure that it is safe and healthy for your pet. The food comes in small kibbles to make it easy for small dogs to chew.

Pros

• The food formula does not have any artificial additives and low-quality fillers.
• It includes a single source of animal protein.
• The dog food contains omega fatty acids for a healthy and shiny coat.
• It has digestible grain-free carbohydrates to keep your dog full without causing and stomach upset.
• Canidae Grain-Free PURE Petite Small Breed Salmon Formula is supplemented with probiotics for healthy digestion and absorption of nutrients.
• It is suitable for dogs with food allergies and sensitive stomachs.

Cons

• The food is expensive to feed as a staple diet.
• The main source of fat is plant-based (canola oil).

#10) Halo Holistic Chicken & Chicken Liver

The Halo Holistic Chicken & Chicken Liver dog food is a quality dog food from Halo Spot. It is made from quality ingredients that are safe for your dog to eat. The dog food provides your dog with 28% protein that all comes from real meat. It does not contain any rendered meat or meat meal.

The first two ingredients are whole chicken and whole eggs to provide your dog with enough protein for muscle growth and development. It also contains chicken liver and salmon to provide the dog with fat for energy. The food formula has oats and barley to provide your pet with fibre to keep him full for long. It includes flaxseed which is a rich source of omega fatty acids to ensure a healthy and shiny coat.

Pros

• It is a protein-rich dog food that provides your dog with healthy protein content for muscle growth.
• The dog food is free of additives, artificial flavours, rendered meat or meat meal.
• It provides your dog with healthy fats to ensure that he has enough energy to remain active.
• Halo Holistic Chicken & Chicken Liver dog food has omega fatty acids from flaxseed for a healthy and shiny coat.
• It is from a reputable brand that makes quality dog food products.

Cons

• It contains oats and barley which might be challenging for some dogs to digest.

Conclusion

The best food for Maltese should provide the dog with all his nutritional needs. It should have a quality source of protein, fat, vitamins and minerals. If your dog suppers from any condition, we recommend you consult your veterinarian first before introducing a new diet to your dog.

Quality dog food is key to a happy and healthy dog. We have provided you with reviews for some of the best food for Maltese available in the market. We hope that the article was not only informative but also helpful.

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