All Categories
  • Dogs
    • Equipment
      • Dog Beds
      • Dog Accessories
      • Dog Bowls & Feeders
      • Dog Carriers & Travel Equipment
      • Dog Cleaning & Potty Equipment
      • Dog Crates & Pens
      • Dog Grooming
      • Dog Leashes & Collars
      • Dog Technology
      • Dog Toys
    • Dog Food
      • Dog Food By Brand
      • Dog Food By Breed
      • Dog Food By Condition
      • Dog Treats
    • Breeds
    • Health
      • Dog Dental Health
      • Dog Flea & Tick Treatment
      • Dog Health Conditions
      • Dog Health Products
      • Dog Supplements
      • General Dog Health
    • Puppies
    • Training
      • Dog Behavior
  • Cats
    • Cat Breeds
    • Cat Equipment
      • Bedding
      • Carrier & Travel Equipment
      • Cat Accessories
      • Cat Grooming Equipment
      • Cat Leashes & Collars
      • Cat Litter Equipment
      • Cat Toys
      • Cat Trees, Condos & Scratchers
    • Cat Food
      • Cat Food By Brands
    • Cat Health
      • Cat Dental Health
      • Cat Flea & Tick Treatment
      • Cat Health Conditions
      • General Cat Health
    • Cat Training
      • Cat Behavior
    • Kittens
  • Fish
    • Food Treats
    • Aquariums
  • Birds
    • Bird Food
    • Cages Accessories
    • Care
  • Small animals
    • Gerbils
    • Guinea Pigs
    • Hamsters
    • Rabbits
    • Rats
    • Reptiles
  • News
logo
  • Home
  • Dogs
  • Dog Food
  • Dog Food By Breed

The Best Dog Food for Maltese in 2022

Last Updated: January 6, 2022
featured-image
PetSide may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Learn more
author-image
By Petside
Published 12:40 pm
Show Contents
Contents
  • The Best Dog Food for Maltese
  • 1. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Dog Food
  • 2. Wellness Core Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food
  • 3. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Dog Food
  • 4. Merrick Lil Plates Grain Free Small Breed Recipe
  • 5. Wellness Natural Pet Food Dry Dog Food
  • 6. Halo Purely For Pets Natural Dry Dog Food
  • 7. ORIJEN Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
  • 8. Fromm Gold Small Breed Adult Dog Food
  • 9. Earthborn Holistic Natural Dog Food

Different dogs need different diets, and your pooch’s breed can go a long way towards determining which type of food is right for them. Maltese dogs fall into the ‘toy’ or ‘companion’ breed category. They’re intelligent, gentle, and love human company. When it comes to feeding, these diminutive pooches need a high energy diet that can keep up with their playful attitude.

With so many dog food on the market right now, finding the perfect choice for your Maltese can be a real challenge. That’s why we’ve compiled this handy guide: below, we list our top 10 Maltese dog foods, so you can rest assured your canine companion is well taken care of in the diet department. Because your dog’s weight, activity level, and age also play an important role in determining their diet, we’ve been careful to include foods that are suitable for puppies, adults, and senior dogs alike. To give you a better understanding of the Maltese breed overall, we’ve also answered some common questions about what to expect when adopting one.

The Best Dog Food for Maltese

1. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Dog Food

product-image

Key Features

    Complete dry dog food for small breeds

    Small kibbles prevent choking and comfortably fit small jaws

    Real natural chicken is the number one ingredient

    Rich in protein and carbohydrates to support your small dog’s metabolism

    LifeSource Bits contain a blend of vitamins and minerals for overall health

    Antioxidants support the immune system

    Omega fatty acids promote healthy hair and skin

Check Price on AmazonCheck Price on Chewy
offer-image
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Dog Food
Check Price on Amazon

Blue Buffalo are a well-known presence on our dog food buying guides – and for good reason. Their healthy dog food recipes always feature real meat as the number one ingredient, giving your dog the healthy protein they need to thrive. This particular formula was blended with small dogs in mind, and contains the extra carbohydrates and protein they need to maintain those famous energy levels.

With its small kibbles – perfect for those dainty mouths – there’s no need to worry about choking hazards, even if your dog has a tendency to wolf down their food. These delicious chicken kibbles are accompanied by Blue Buffalo’s patented LifeSource Bits. These soft-textured nibbles are specially blended to provide your dog with all the vitamins and minerals they need for excellent overall health. Formulated with the help of veterinarians, these Bits contain nutrients sourced from fruits and vegetables such as sweet potato and cranberry. Antioxidants support your dog’s immune system, while Omega three and six fatty acids help to keep that flowing coat in tip top condition.

2. Wellness Core Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food

product-image

Key Features

    Complete dry food for small dogs

    Free from grains, soy, meat by-products, and artificial additives

    Real turkey and chicken are the main ingredients

    Potatoes and peas offer slow release energy

    Calorie-dense recipe is specially made for smaller breeds

    Made with small kibbles to accommodate small dogs

    Vitamin E and Omega fatty acids promote healthy skin and hair

    Contains calcium for strong bones

    Probiotics help improve digestive health

Check Price on AmazonCheck Price on Chewy
offer-image
Wellness Core Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food
Check Price on Amazon

If your Maltese pooch has a sensitive stomach or food allergies, this grain free formula could be the perfect feeding solution. In this blend, the grains commonly found in commercial dog food are replaced with potatoes and legumes, for slow release energy. As with most high quality dry foods, real meat – in this case turkey and chicken – constitutes the bulk of the formula. This tasty poultry offers your Maltese all the protein they need to thrive.

The food’s calorie-dense recipe is ideal for smaller dogs, helping to support their energetic and playful lifestyles. Alongside its tukey and chicken base, the food is enriched with all the nutrients dogs need for overall bodily health. Vitamin E and Omega fatty acids support their hair and skin, while calcium promotes strong bones. The food also contains probiotics, for better digestive health. The food is also free from soy, meat by-products, and artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. If you want to find out more about their company, product lines, and recall history, read our review of Wellness Core Dog Food.

3. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Dog Food

product-image

Key Features

    Dry, grain-free dog food for small breeds

    Real, whole chicken is the main ingredient

    Rich in the carbohydrates and protein small dogs need

    Omega 6 fatty acids support healthy hair and skin

    Antioxidants promote a properly functioning immune system

    Rich in calcium for strong bones and joints

    B vitamins for a healthy metabolism

    Free from corn, wheat, soy, and artificial flavors or preservatives

Check Price on AmazonCheck Price on Chewy
offer-image
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Dog Food
Check Price on Amazon

The next grain free recipe to find a place on the list is this natural food by our perennial favorite, Blue Buffalo. Featuring real chicken as its primary ingredient, the recipe offers your Malese the rich protein they need for muscle support and energy. Alongside the chicken, wholesome fruits and vegetables provide the extra nutrients dogs need for great overall health.

With slow-release carbohydrates derived from peas, the food provides your small dog with the energy they need to run and play. Like all Blue Buffalo foods, this recipe also features unique LifeSource Bits. These satisfyingly chewy kibbles give dogs the blend of nutrients they need for general wellbeing. Antioxidants support the immune system, while Omega six fatty acids promote healthy skin and hair. Alongside these nutrients, calcium supports healthy bones, and B vitamins help maintain metabolic rate. Every bite is free from corn, wheat, soy, and artificial flavors and preservatives.

4. Merrick Lil Plates Grain Free Small Breed Recipe

product-image

Key Features

    Wet food for small breeds

    Packaged in convenient single serving trays

    Free from grains, gluten, and poultry

    70% Texas beef

    30% healthy produce

    Contains Omega 3 and 6 acids for healthy skin and coat

    Enriched with antioxidants to support the immune system

    Glucosamine promotes strong joints

Check Price on AmazonCheck Price on Chewy
offer-image
Merrick Lil Plates Grain Free Small Breed Recipe
Check Price on Amazon

Merrick have also earned themselves a spot on our list, with their Texas beef and sweet potato recipe. The tasty wet dog food is 70% beef, giving your Maltese the rich protein they need. The remaining 30% consists of wholesome produce, offering a unique blend of vitamins and minerals tailored to small breed health.

Rich in Omega three and six fatty acids, the food promotes skin and coat health, for a lustrous appearance. It’s also enriched with antioxidants, helping the immune system to function as it should. Finally, glucosamine supports healthy, functioning joints. The blend is also gluten free for improved digestibility, and you won’t find any grains or poultry inside either. In other words, this could be the perfect option when poultry or wheat just doesn’t agree with your pooch. Here’s a detailed look at Merrick Dog Food.

5. Wellness Natural Pet Food Dry Dog Food

product-image

Key Features

    Reduced calorie dry food for adult small dogs

    Lean and tasty turkey is the main ingredient

    Hearty brown rice maintains energy levels

    Contains 16% fewer calories than equivalent adult foods

    Omega fatty acids promote healthy skin and hair

    Vitamins A and E support the immune system

    Contains calcium for healthy teeth and bones

    Pre and probiotics encourage digestive health

Check Price on AmazonCheck Price on Chewy
offer-image
Wellness Natural Pet Food Dry Dog Food
Check Price on Amazon

The next recipe to make it onto our list is this dry option by Wellness Natural Pet Food. The carefully tailored formula is designed to help smaller dogs achieve and maintain a healthy weight. At its core, tasty turkey provides all the lean protein pooches need for healthy muscles and energy. Meanwhile, hearty brown rice offers a great source of complex carbohydrates for, consistent energy levels.

Each tasty kibble contains 16% fewer calories than other adult recipes, helping pudgy pooches to shed those extra pounds without feeling hungry. Despite its diet credentials, the food contains all the nutrients dogs need for a healthy life. Omega fatty acids keep skin and coats and tip top condition, while vitamins A and E support a healthy immune system. Alongside these vitamins, calcium supports strong bones and teeth, while pre and probiotics promote a regular and comfortable digestive tract.

6. Halo Purely For Pets Natural Dry Dog Food

product-image

Key Features

    Complete dry dog food for small breeds

    Ethically raised whole chicken forms the base

    Free from meat meal

    Small, digestible kibbles are ideal for petite pooches

    Free from artificial additives

    Halo donate 1 bowl of food to an animal charity for every purchase

Check Price on AmazonCheck Price on Chewy
offer-image
Halo Purely For Pets Natural Dry Dog Food
Check Price on Amazon

Halo have also earned a spot on our list, with their natural and holistic small dog formula. Farm-raised whole chicken is the number one ingredient – ethically sourced from producers who never use antibiotics or growth hormones. This lean and tasty protein is accompanied by a selection of non-GMO fruits and vegetables. These healthy treats provide your small dog with the nutrients they need for great overall health. With small, digestible kibbles, the blend is specially designed for smaller breeds, taking into account their diminutive jaws and short digestive tracts. 

Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, the food won’t irritate those finicky stomachs. You can feel good about every bag of Halo you purchase, too – for every product sold, Halo donate one bowl of food to an animal in need.

7. ORIJEN Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

product-image

Key Features

    Complete dry food for senior dogs

    85% poultry and fish

    Oily mackerel supports the joints

    Calcium promotes healthy bones and teeth

    Glucosamine offers additional joint care benefits

    Grain free

    Made in the USA

Check Price on AmazonCheck Price on Chewy
offer-image
ORIJEN Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Check Price on Amazon

If you’re searching for the ideal senior dog food, look no further than Orijen. Their special formula is designed to support small breeds through their golden years, with lean protein, fruits and vegetables, and joint-friendly ingredients.

85% of each bag consists of poultry and fish. This tasty blend isn’t just appealing – it’s healthy, too. We all know that oily fish is great for the joints, and Orijen’s formula contains plenty of mackerel to provide this supportive function. Meanwhile, calcium in the food promotes strong bones and teeth, while glucosamine further supports the joints. It’s free from grains, too, making it a great choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies. Each bag is made with care in the USA. ORIJEN Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is one of 7 recipes included in our review of Orijen Dog Food.

8. Fromm Gold Small Breed Adult Dog Food

product-image

Key Features

    Complete dry dog food suitable for small breeds

    Natural duck, chicken, and lamb protein forms the base of the formula

    Rich in the protein that small dogs crave

    Made with real Wisconsin cheese

    Contains probiotics to encourage healthy digestion

    Fish oils support healthy skin and hair

    Dogs love the taste

    Developed and produced in the USA

Check Latest Price
offer-image
Fromm Gold Small Breed Adult Dog Food
Check Latest Price

The next Maltese dog food to earn a spot on our list is this tasty formula by Fromm. Blended and produced in the USA, the specially crafted recipe is perfect for diminutive dogs. The delicious recipe hinges on a blend of duck, chicken, and lamb, providing dogs with all the protein they need for healthy muscles.

Alongside this rich and natural protein, real Wisconsin cheese provides a balanced source of calcium and fat. The enriched formula also contains probiotics to encourage healthy digestion, and fish oils to promote healthy skin and hair.

9. Earthborn Holistic Natural Dog Food

product-image

Key Features

    Holistic dry dog food for small breeds

    Small kibble is easy for your Maltese to chew

    Grain free formula

    Real chicken meat is the number one ingredient

    Peas provide a healthy carbohydrate source

    Easy to digest

Check Price on AmazonCheck Price on Chewy
offer-image
Earthborn Holistic Natural Dog Food
Check Price on Amazon

Finishing off our list is this tasty natural formula by Earthborn Holistic. Specially formulated for dogs under 20 pounds, this complete dry food offers your Maltese all the nutrients they need for a happy, healthy life. The deliberately small kibble pieces are easy for small jaws to chew, helping your dog to fully enjoy their food. The grain-free formula hinges on lean chicken and whitefish, which provides all the protein an active dog needs.

Instead of grains, the recipe depends on green peas for a healthy source of carbohydrates. Along with these basic nutrients, the formula also contains all the vitamins and minerals your dog needs for a healthy happy life. Flaxseed provides Omega fatty acids, essential for maintaining healthy hair and skin, while antioxidant rich fruits support your dog’s immune system. The recipe is designed to be as easy to digest as possible, allowing you pooch to get the most out of every mouthful, and reducing the number of toilet breaks they need.

Best Dog Food for Maltese Buying Guide

These 10 foods are the best on the market right now when it comes to supporting your Maltese dog. Whether they’re active or dozey, young or old, easy going or picky, we’re confident there’s something on our list for everyone. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve put together this buying guide. Below, we discuss what to look out for in a Maltese dog food, and how to properly feed this popular breed.

Owner feeding his Maltese dog

Characteristics of a Reliable Maltese Dog Food

Look out for these characteristics when it’s time to buy dog food for your Maltese:

  • Small Kibble

This ensures your dog can comfortably eat the food, and reduces the risk of choking.

  • Calorie Dense

It may sound counterintuitive, but small breeds, the Maltese included, have faster metabolisms than their larger counterparts. To give your pooch the energy they need, look out for a protein rich formula, containing around 15% fat. Find out more about high protein dog food here.

  • Dry Formula

Because small dogs are more prone to dental problems, dry dog food is usually best. Crunching kibble helps to keep plaque and tartar off their teeth.

  • AAFCO Approval

AAFCO is the American Association of Feed Control Officials. The body performs nutritional tests on various dog foods, which must ‘provide complete and balanced nutrition for the maintenance of adult dogs’ in order to be granted approval. Look out for this sticker to ensure the food is of high quality.

Nutritional Needs of Malteses

Maltese dogs generally require a rich, high-energy diet. Exactly what they need varies with their age:

  • Puppies

Maltese puppies grow quite rapidly, so they’ll need all the protein and fat they can get. Look out for food with a protein content of at least 22%, and a fat content of at least 8%. Fat is a dense energy source, which helps puppies to grow quickly. During this stage of development, calcium will be an important mineral. It helps you pup to grow strong teeth and bones at this vital stage of their life.

  • Adults

At 12 months of age, you can make the transition from puppy food to adult food. Adult Maltese food should contain plenty of animal-derived protein - at least 18% - to ensure sustain a healthy muscle mass. Fat is still an important energy source at this point, so look out for foods with a fat content of at least 5%. To help your dog stay fighting fit, we’d also recommend a food with B vitamins for a healthy metabolism, and antioxidants to support the immune system. Since Maltese dogs are quite prone to allergies, including some Omega three and six in their diets can help keep itchy skin at bay.

  • Seniors

At eight or nine years old, it’s a good idea to switch your Maltese to a senior dog formula. Since older dogs tend to exercise less, you may need to select a reduced calorie food (such as number six on our list) to maintain a healthy weight. At this stage in their life, your Maltese will also benefit from joint-friendly ingredients, such as glucosamine. For a wider selection of choices, check out our senior dog food guide.

Food in metal bowl

Ingredients to Avoid Feeding Your Maltese

Maltese dogs are more prone to allergies and sensitivities than other canines. This means it’s a good idea to avoid feeding them the following ingredients:

  • Soy - this is a surprisingly common allergen among dogs, and best avoided if possible.
  • Artificial Colors, Flavors, or Preservatives - These additives can irritate the digestive tract and skin, so are best avoided.
  • Fillers - Some low quality dog foods contain fillers such as corn bran, rice bran, and hulls, to bulk out their formula. These ingredients only dilute the food’s nutritional value, so small dogs with a high demand for energy should avoid them.

Common Health Conditions in Maltese Dogs

Like every breed, Maltese dogs are more prone to some health conditions than others:

  • Dental Problems

Like many small dogs, the Maltese is particularly prone to dental issues, such as tooth loss and gum disease. You can combat this tendency with a regimen of regular tooth brushing. It’s also a good idea to avoid giving your Maltese human foods.

  • Eye Irritation and Ulcers

Because of their long facial hair, a Maltese dog’s eyes are prone to irritation and ulcers. To help prevent these conditions, perform regular trims, and consult a vet as soon as you notice an eye issue. Eye ulcers can be easily treated with a topical solution when caught in time.

  • Portosystemic Shunts

This condition affects blood circulation to the liver, which prevents blood from being properly filtered of toxins. Left unchecked, the condition can be fatal. Luckily, it can be treated - with surgery, medication, or diet.

  • Ear Infections

Thanks to their long, flowing coats and floppy ears, ear infections can occur quite easily in Maltese dogs. To help prevent infection, consider some preventative dog ear drops, and trim the hair in this area.

  • Patellar Luxation

Patellar luxation refers to the dislocation of the kneecap. This condition can be treated with weight management and painkillers. To reduce this risk of your dog developing Patellar luxation, ensure they aren’t overfed, and get the appropriate amount of exercise.

Our Top Pick

To us, the best dog food for Maltese pooches is Blue Buffalo’s unique Life Protection Formula. Made with real chicken - never reconstituted ‘meat meal’ - the food provides your small dog with the rich protein kick they need to flourish.

Alongside this tasty chicken, patented LifeSource Bits offer your dog all the extra nutrients they need for a happy and healthy life. Formulated with the help of real veterinarians, the Bits contain vitamins and minerals including antioxidants for a healthy immune system, and Omega fatty acids for a healthy coat. The kibble’s small size is ideal for diminutive dogs, since there’s no need to worry about choking. Its unique shape has been specially designed to help prevent tartar buildup on the teeth, too. This keeps dental problems - common in smaller breeds - firmly at bay. Overall, this tasty and nutritious food is a great way to deliver your Maltese everything they need for a healthy life, naturally.

Maltese dog

FAQ

Q: What should I know about maltese puppies?

A:

Maltese puppies were first bred around 2,000 years ago, primarily as companions. You can expect your pup to exhibit the following traits:

A lively and curious personality
A strong desire to receive human attention
The ability to learn plenty of tricks

As they grow up, they’ll need plenty of care, including:

Regular walks and playtime
Daily brushing
Regular baths
Being kept at a comfortable temperature
Being kept away from boisterous children

Q: How often should I feed my maltese?

A:

Like most dogs, your Maltese should be fed two main meals each day - in the morning and evening is usually best.

In between, they can be offered healthy snacks, but be careful not to overdo it, since overweight dogs are more prone to serious health problems.

Q: How much should I feed my maltese?

A:

Some dog foods are much richer than others, so it’s important to read the label if you’re to prevent overfeeding.

As a rule of thumb, Maltese dogs should be fed between one quarter and three quarters of a cup of dry food each day.

Related Reads

The Best Dog Food for Weimaraners in 2022

The Best Dog Food for Golden Retrievers in 2022

The Best Dog Food for Cane Corso in 2022

The Best Dog Food for Labs in 2022

The Best Dog Food for Beagles in 2022

The Best Dog Food for Small Dogs in 2022

The Best Dog Food for German Shepherds in 2022

The Best Dog Food For Chihuahuas in 2022

You May Also Like
  • Huskies
  • Greyhounds
  • Pomeranians
  • Corgis
  • Small Dogs
  • Pitbulls
  • Dobermans
  • Cocker Spaniels
  • Yorkies
  • Jack Russell
  • Boxers
image

PetSide ©2025

  • Privacy Policy
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Medical Disclaimer
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Reviews
DMCA.com Protection Status