How much should a Maltese eat

How Much Should a Maltese Eat Maltese Feeding Chart

Taking care of a dog can be difficult. And each dog has a different preference when it comes to their food habits. Make sure you are well aware of their food habits and meal timing.

How much should a Maltese eat?

As a growing dog, a Maltese should have from a quarter cup to half a cup of food every day. The meal should be divided into two meals a day. Dry food is ideal for meals. As Maltese tend to be picky eaters, it is better to be organized and careful about their meal.

It is very important to take notice of the meal and meal portion you give to your dog. Their entire health depends on this. Not only with the growing dogs, with the adult dogs also you should be careful about the meal plan.

And for some breed of dogs, make sure to be extra careful.

Maltese are very picky eaters. These dogs tend to have a very sensitive digestive system as well. Which is why when it comes to planning the meal for Maltese dogs, you must keep aware of the portion size and type of food as well.

A healthy dog can be maintained with the help of a healthy dietary system. How much your dog is being fed in each meal, how many times they are given food, what type of food is being given, all these matter a lot. Make sure you prepare all these before so there is no mistake.

The food and diet chart can change depending on the age and size of the dog. As dogs start to grow, a lot of focus shifts from their food to their exercise. Which is why the components and portion of the diet charts will change as well.

Maltese are very picky eaters. And they are very sensitive when it comes to their dietary system. Which is why it is very important to keep their diet chart accurate and according to their digestive system.

The meal portions and meal timing of the day should be kept within the range they can be happy with.

A very important factor when it comes to choosing the meal size of a Maltese dog is their age. The meal size and diet chart changes as the dog keeps growing from a small puppy to a big dog. Make sure you are consistent with the change in age and their diet chart.

2 to 3 week old Maltese:

A Maltese at this age should be given a full meal of 1/2 cups a day. It is best to keep their meals consisting of less dry food as the dog might face difficulty in chewing and swallowing at such a small age. Try to feed the dog twice to three times a day.

4 to 5 week old Maltese:

At this age, which is about a month and more, you can start giving dry food to your Maltese dog. And even at this age keep the meals to 1/2 cups a day. Two times a day should be fine. You can give them small treats as well.

But make sure the treats are not frequent.

6 to 7 week old Maltese:

This age is very crucial for a growing puppy, so you should take extra care when planning the meals. Do not reduce the meal size or portions. Try to divide a cup of a full meal into two portions so your dog can have it two times a day.

8 to 9 week old Maltese:

By this age, your puppy will get used to dry food and will have no trouble with it. So you can start adding more dry food to their meal chart. Treat can be given once a day. 1/2 cups twice a day is still perfect at this age.

10 to 11 week old Maltese:

When your pup reaches near the age of a year you can start to divide the meals into three times a day. You can also go for 1/4 cups of a meal per day. This should help with the growth of your dog.

Also as they will be more active and playful, a little treat once or twice will not harm the dog.

3 month old Maltese:

A Maltese pup does not need much food when they have reached this age. Keep the previous routine of feeding them twice a day, 1/2 cups of meal. Dry food is good and so are frequent treats. This age is for good health.

Try to get more nutrients in their diet chart and meals.

4 month old Maltese:

A 4 month old Maltese will not need more portions of food. Just try to add dry food in their meal so they can get used to it as they grow up. Do not skip the treats at this age, but you can try to not give the treats very frequently.

5 month old Maltese:

If you have a very active dog then you might want to feed them 3/4 cups of food starting from this age. But if the Maltese dog is not that active in this age, then you should keep the food between 1/2 cups and the occasional treats.

You might want to skip the treats if your dog is too lazy.

6 month old Maltese:

A 6 month old Maltese should be very active and playful. But that does not mean you should give it a lot of food. 1/2 cups of food daily divided into two portions should be enough for your Maltese.

And at this point only dry food will not be a problem for your dog.

7 month old Maltese:

7 month old dogs are practically adult dogs. However their food intake remains the same as before. 1/2 cups of dry food, twice daily, is the most appropriate food amount for a Maltese of this age.

The amount of treats could be increased, however it should not be given frequently yet.

8 month old Maltese:

Same as before, 1/2 cups of food daily should be enough for a Maltese of 8 months. They will not need more food than they already had been fed. However, it depends on the physical activity.

If your Maltese is very playful, you might want to give them food three times instead of two times a day.

9 month old Maltese:

Try focusing more on the dry food during the ages of 9 months and more. Treats are okay and can be given frequently. A Maltese of this age can eat as much as a regular adult dog. But the dog breed is not very keen on food.

So do not be alarmed if they do not eat more than 1/2 cups of food daily. Try to give treats to cover for any lacking.

10 month old Maltese:

Basically at the ages of 10 months, a Maltese becomes an adult dog. And during this age their food habit becomes permanent. So your Maltese dog will get used to 1/2 cups of meal twice daily.

Do not worry about the food being not enough, the Maltese dogs do not require much food as a breed.

Maltese are very picky and choosy when it comes to their food and meal. You will not find a Maltese who is very happy and excited about food, be it a treat or dry food. The most amount of food you can make your Maltese dog eat is around 1/2 cups of food daily.

Try not to pressure your Maltese dog to take too much food daily. It might disrupt their digestive system, as they have a very sensitive digestive system as well. Keep the food amount appropriate to their choice.

Maltese feeding chart:

Are you overfeeding your Maltese or not feeding enough?

Maltese dogs are very sensitive when it comes to their digestive and food habits. They do not require much food but that does not mean you should be laid back about their meal. You should be very careful when deciding about the meal and food of your Maltese dog and puppy.

A problem you will face while dealing with the food habit of your Maltese dog is overfeeding your dog. As said before, the Maltese do not require a lot of food. So it is very easy for you to overfeed the dog. A way to know if you have overfed your Maltese dog is to see its poop.

Usually, when you have overfed your Maltese dog, their poop in the morning is normal. But at night it is soft. That is the first sign of overfeeding your dog. Another sign is that they become gassy from all the extra food.

If you mistakenly underfeed your Maltese dog, you will notice our dog being less energetic. Also they might show some issues regarding their skin and hair. You will notice hair loss. And their immunity system will also be hampered and they will fall ill quicker than usual.

How frequently to feed your Maltese?

A Maltese dog does not require much food. And their meals do not need to be frequent as well. Twice a day should be enough to keep your Maltese dog full and healthy. Make sure the meal portions are not too much and you will be good for the entire day.

1/2 cups of food twice a day is a good enough amount for the Maltese dog. Be it dry food or regular dog food. Make sure you do not feed your dog more than two times a day. Divide the entire meal portion into two parts and it should be enough.

Recommended feeding time:

During the puppy days make sure you give food to your Maltese pup once in the late morning and the other in the first half of the night. This is a good time and a good cycle to maintain until your dog has grown into a big or adult dog.

Once you have an adult dog you can adjust their meal time according to your convenience. Make sure it is properly divided into once a day and the other one during the night time. This will keep them less fussy and more energized during the entire day and before sleeping.

Final thoughts

A Maltese dog does not require much food intake. A half a cup of food twice a day should keep your Maltese dog healthy and happy. Make sure there is dry food and other nutrients as well because the dog breed is very much fussy about their food and meal. Their digestion system is sensitive.

How Much to Feed a Maltese (Feeding Chart & Guide)

When it comes to the Maltese, its picky eating habits are a well-known characteristic that can make feeding this small dog a challenge for many owners.

In general, Maltese dogs should be fed a balanced and nutritious diet that considers their weight, age, and activity level. Maltese puppies require to cup of food daily, while adults need to cup per day, and seniors would require to cup per day.

This guide will explore the best practices for feeding your Maltese. This will also cover the nutritional needs of the Maltese based on their age. Keep reading to learn more about properly nourishing your Maltese dog!

What Factors Impact How Much to Feed a Maltese?

When it comes to determining the right amount of food to feed a Maltese, several factors should be taken into consideration.

Here are some of the factors that can impact how much to feed them:

• Age: Maltese puppies have different nutritional needs than adults or senior dogs, as they are still growing and developing. As Maltese puppies grow older, their food intake should be adjusted accordingly. Adult Maltese require a different balance of nutrients and calories, and senior Maltese would need fewer calories and specific nutrients to maintain their health.
• Weight: To maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity, its crucial to provide a balanced diet with the appropriate amount of food for a Malteses ideal weight and age. It is important to monitor their weight and adjust their food intake accordingly to maintain a healthy weight and provide them with the necessary nutrients.
• Activity Levels: Smaller dogs, such as the Maltese, tend to have a high metabolism, which means they need small and frequent meals to maintain their energy levels. Also, Maltese who exercise regularly or have active lifestyles require more calories to fuel their energy needs than those who are less active.

Further, some physiological changes, such as pregnancy and nursing in female Maltese, may also affect their dietary requirements. When selecting a diet for your dog, it is essential to consider these factors and customize its diet based on them.

How Much to Feed Your Maltese

To make feeding your Maltese easier, there are feeding charts that you can use as a reference. These charts provide general recommendations for how much to feed your Maltese based on its weight and age.

Its worth mentioning that these are just general recommendations, and you may need to adjust the amount of food based on your dogs individual needs.

Maltese Puppy Feeding Chart (2 to 12 months)

Maltese puppies rely on their mothers milk for the first four weeks, and they go through weaning to transition to solid food.

To support their growth, its important to provide them with a well-balanced diet that contains essential nutrients. Look for products that follow the nutrient profiles set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials.

These foods are designed to provide your pup with the right amount of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals to support their growth and development.

Heres a general feeding chart to follow during this period on how much to feed your Maltese puppy:

While their food portions may seem small due to their size, their dietary requirements are just as important as those of larger breeds.

By following a feeding chart tailored to their specific age and weight, you can ensure that your furry friend gets the proper amount of nutrients to thrive.

I used to also breed Maltese myself, and one of the challenges I regularly encountered in feeding this breed is that they tend to display their picky eating habits as early as their puppyhood.

Due to this, aside from ensuring that they consumed the right number of calories, I always prepared palatable meals for them. I would usually add aromatic wet canned food or pour an adequate amount of chicken or beef broth on their kibbles to make them more flavorful.

Additionally, you may check this video for other possible reasons why Maltese pups may not be eating their food.

Adult Maltese Feeding Chart (1 to 7 years)

When a Maltese reaches its adult size, it will typically weigh between 4 and 7 pounds. Generally, an adult Maltese will need about a to cup of food per day.

To ensure they receive the appropriate nutrients, prioritize high-quality protein sources like pork, chicken, beef, or fish.

These protein sources provide essential nutrients like glucosamine and DHA and enhance their foods taste. These nutrients are good for their bones, joints, and coat, which is one of their distinguishing features.

Here is the recommended amount of food to give your adult Maltese:

By using this chart as a reference, you can assist your adult Maltese in reaching its ideal size and weight. This also ensures that it stays healthy in the long run by maintaining a balanced diet.

Senior Maltese Feeding Chart (8 years and above)

The Maltese dog is considered senior as it reaches the age of 8 to 9 years old. As it reaches this stage, its digestive system can become sensitive and may be unable to digest fat efficiently.

Therefore, its important to feed them less fat, not only to avoid weight gain but also to prevent any digestive health issues that might arise.

However, senior Maltese still require high-quality foods that are rich in glucosamine and chondroitin to maintain their healthy bones and joints.

The chart provided below shows the recommended daily food intake for your senior Maltese dog:

Considering a reduced fat intake for senior Maltese can help manage their weight at this age while ensuring they stay healthy.

How Often Should You Feed Your Maltese?

The recommended feeding frequency for Maltese dogs varies depending on their age. Free feeding is advised for puppies under four months, while those between 4 and 12 months should have 3 to 4 meals per day. In contrast, adult and senior Maltese dogs should be fed twice daily.

Puppies under four months old are highly active and need a constant supply of nutrients to fuel their growth and development. For this reason, free feeding is recommended.

However, it is crucial to monitor your puppys food intake and avoid overfeeding, as this can lead to health problems later on.

From 4 to 12 months, they should be fed an adequate amount of puppy food to accommodate their fast-growing bodies. Thereafter, they should eat twice daily during their adult and senior stages.

Heres a table summarizing the feeding frequency recommended for a Maltese depending on its age:

You can often find that Maltese dogs are energetic and can burn calories easily, but they can quickly become overweight if they have unrestricted access to food.

To avoid this, its important to follow the recommended feeding frequency unless advised differently by your veterinarian. This will also maintain your dogs energy intake throughout the day.

How to Transition Your Maltese to a New Food

The Maltese can be sensitive to changes in its diet, and abruptly switching its food can cause digestive problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, and a loss of appetite.

So, if youre planning on changing your dogs food, do it gradually. One way to do this is to decrease the amount of the current food and increase the amount of the new one over a period of seven days.

During this process, you should closely monitor your dogs behavior and appetite to ensure they adjust well to the new diet.

I suggest that you give special attention to this section as you may need to do this multiple times throughout your Malteses lifespan. As mentioned, having handled a lot of different breeds, the Maltese is probably one of the pickiest I have encountered.

Whenever I make changes to my Malteses diet type from kibbles to wet food, a raw diet, or a home-cooked meal, I do it slowly to avoid any stomach upsets, which can make feeding even more challenging.

The table below provides a summary of the recommended feeding percentage when switching your Maltese from its current food to a new one:

If you notice any signs of gastrointestinal upset, you may need to slow down the transition and give your Maltese more time to adjust.

Remember, a gradual transition is key to preventing any digestive issues that could arise from a sudden change in diet.

Tips on Feeding an Overweight Maltese

Due to their small size, it can be challenging to keep track of the weight of Maltese dogs. Maltese dogs are prone to becoming overweight, which can lead to various health problems.

If your Maltese is overweight, here are some tips to help you manage their weight and maintain a healthy diet:

• Know your dogs healthy weight: Knowing your dogs ideal weight helps you monitor and ensure they maintain a healthy size. Typically, a healthy adult Maltese dog should weigh between 4 and 7 pounds. However, the optimal size may vary depending on the dogs age, gender, and activity level.
• Consult with your veterinarian: The vet will evaluate your dogs overall health, determine its ideal weight, and assess its current weight. They will also help you create a personalized diet plan tailored to your dogs specific needs.
• Measure your dogs food: Measuring your dogs food can help you ensure its not eating too much or too little. Start by checking the recommended portion size above or on its food packaging. Use an 8 oz measuring cup or a kitchen scale to portion out its food accurately.
• Choose low-calorie dog food: Choose a low-calorie dog food that is high in protein and fiber but low in fat and calories. Switching to weight management dog food can be an effective solution. This food has fewer calories than regular dog food and contains added nutrients to support healthy weight loss and overall health.
• Increase physical activity: Increasing their physical activity can be a great way to help them shed some pounds. It can be achieved by taking them out for walks, playing with them, or engaging them in other physical activities they enjoy.
• Avoid free-feeding: Its important to avoid free-feeding and follow a definite feeding schedule instead. This will help you keep track of how much your dog is eating and prevent overfeeding.

If you follow the advice mentioned earlier and stick to it, you can assist your Maltese in shedding extra pounds and keeping a healthy weight.

However, dog weight loss can take some time, so dont rush the process. Be patient and stay committed to the healthy habits youve established.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Know If Im Feeding My Maltese Enough?

To ensure that you are feeding your Maltese enough, you should monitor their weight, check their body condition score, follow the feeding guidelines on their food packaging, and observe their behavior.

You can also consult your veterinarian to determine the appropriate portion sizes based on their age, activity level, and overall health.

Why Is My Maltese Not Eating?

A Maltese may refuse to eat either due to health or behavioral reasons. Hence, its essential to identify the cause of your Malteses refusal to eat and address it appropriately.

If your Maltese is not eating, it may be because of boredom with its current food or due to stress. If this happens, provide it with a more palatable diet and a more comfortable and encouraging environment.

However, if your Maltese continues not touching its food for a long time and displays other health issues, immediately bring it to a veterinarian.

Can I Feed My Maltese With Human Food?

Feeding your Maltese with human food is safe, provided that it is done correctly and in moderation.

Further, it is crucial to ensure that the human food given is nutritionally balanced and complete. It must also not fall under the restricted list of foods harmful to dogs, including foods high in fat or sugar.

Additionally, before introducing human food to their diet, its best to consult with a veterinarian to ensure that its safe and appropriate.

Do Maltese Eat a Lot?

Maltese dogs have a reputation for being picky eaters. Hence, they have smaller appetites and may not eat as much.

Generally, most adult Maltese will do better with multiple smaller meals throughout the day rather than just one large meal.

Can Maltese Eat Bones?

Dogs love to chew bones, and while this may be true for most dogs, its essential to know which types of bones are safe for your Maltese.

The good news is that most raw bones, including raw chicken, turkey, lamb, or beef bones, are edible for dogs. These are soft enough to be chewed, eaten, and digested by your Maltese.

However, keep in mind that there are risks associated with feeding bones to your dog. Choking is the most common risk, especially if your dog swallows a bone without thoroughly chewing it.

Final Thoughts

Maltese dogs may have a small appetite due to their size, but its important to keep track of how much they are consuming.

Feeding your Maltese the right amount at the right frequency and schedule that is appropriate for its age, weight, and activity level is essential for maintaining its overall health and well-being.

To achieve this, you can use the Maltese feeding chart for both puppies and adults as a guide. Keep in mind as well that every dog is unique, and their nutritional needs may differ.

Can you share your personal experience in feeding your Maltese? Drop some helpful tips and tricks in the comment section below! Also, if you have questions about their diet, feel free to ask!