What do Maltese dog eat
Maltese
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The Maltese is a toy dog breed thats best known for their luxurious, floor-length white coats and playful personalities. These dogs originated on the Mediterranean island of Malta and have been loyal companions for centuries, with references to the breed found in Ancient Greek and Roman literature. Weighing an average of 7 hearty pounds, these tiny yet fearless dogs are highly adaptable and make charming and devoted companions.
Caring for a Maltese
Maltese have minimal health issues but require regular maintenance because of their long, silky, white coat. Their big, dark eyes and nose make these playful and moderate energy dogs irresistible. Despite their small size they have big, willful personalities and generally respond positively to reward-based training.
Maltese Health Issues
Most Maltese will live well into the double digits, with a typical lifespan of 12-15 years. They are a generally healthy breed with few health concerns. But there are a few inherited conditions that pet parents need to be aware of for health management.
Luxating Patella
Maltese can develop luxating patellas, an inherited condition where one or both of the kneecaps pop in and out of place. Although patellar luxation is not generally considered a painful condition, it may cause the dog to favor one leg and can predispose them to other knee injuries (such as a cranial cruciate ligament tear) and arthritis. Depending on the severity of the luxating patella, surgery may be recommended to prevent further injury and improve your Malteses quality of life.
Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
Responsible Maltese breeders will screen their puppies for heart abnormalities such as patent ductus arteriosus. PDA is an inherited condition where the ductus arteriosus, the normal opening between the two major blood vessels in the heart that closes shortly after birth, does not close. This condition causes blood to flow improperly and forces the left side of the heart to work harder. This leads to eventual failure of that chamber.
Depending on the size of the opening, dogs may show minimal symptoms to severe signs of heart failure such as:
Difficulty breathing
Exercise intolerance
Stunted growth
Surgery is typically the best option to close the defect and when done prior to heart failure, dogs generally have an excellent prognosis. Some dogs that have already developed heart failure at the time of surgery may require medications afterward.
Liver Shunts
Maltese puppies should also be screened for congenital liver issues such as shunts. Liver shunts are abnormal veins that bypass the liver, preventing the normal filtration of toxins, wastes, and medications from the blood before returning it back to the body. Dogs with liver shunts may have stunted growth and neurologic signs such as disorientation or seizures. Liver shunts can be screened with a blood test and are often managed with a diet change and medication, though sometimes surgery is required.
Dental Disease
Like all other toy breeds, Maltese require regular at-home dental care as well as routine dental cleanings to prevent periodontal disease.
What To Feed a Maltese
Selecting the best diet for a Maltese is often based on the needs of the individual dog. While its always important to choose a diet with high-quality ingredients, its best to discuss diet with your veterinarian, as they can make a recommendation based on your dogs specific medical history. Maltese dogs can be prone to obesity, so avoid overfeeding your pup so they can maintain a healthy weight.
How To Feed a Maltese
Due to their tiny size, young Maltese puppies can be susceptible to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if they dont eat enough food throughout the day. This can be avoided by feeding small meals three to four times a day until they are around 4 months of age. At this age, their more developed bodies are better suited to regulate glucose levels and they can transition to two (or three, if desired) meals a day. Adult Maltese typically do well with two meals a day, in the morning and evening.
How Much Should You Feed a Maltese
Always follow the feeding guide provided by the specific food to ensure that your dog is receiving the appropriate essential daily nutrients. For a Maltese, based on an average weight of approximately 6-8 pounds, this will range from about 1/4 to 1/2 cups of dry food daily, divided into two meals.
Nutritional Tips for a Maltese
For Maltese dogs that have luxating patella, it can be beneficial to supplement them with glucosamine and chondroitin to help keep their joints healthy. Additionally, omega-3 supplements can aid in protecting joint health and keep their skin and coat lush and soft.
Behavior and Training Tips for the Maltese
Maltese Personality and Temperament
Maltese do well with some daily activity but dont require vigorous exercise to maintain their physical or mental health. They can be somewhat stubborn, but with positive training methods Maltese dogs can do very well with activities such as agility.
Maltese are very affectionate with their family, but their tiny size makes interactions with young or boisterous children something they might try to avoid. A family with older children who understand how to interact with a dog may be better suited for them, and interactions between children and dogs should always be supervised.
Like many other toy breeds, Maltese tend to compensate their tiny stature with a big bark. They can be vocal, especially when they feel they are protecting their people or home.
Maltese Behavior
Maltese are very attached to their families, and they show this with their tiny but mighty protective nature. This can also cause them to experience some anxiety when separated from their people, which can manifest in unwanted behaviors such as vocalization.
Maltese Training
Maltese are an intelligent breed, and their stubborn side can make training difficult. Potty training Maltese puppies can be challenging, but consistency paired with positive reinforcement will yield the best results.
Despite their lavish appearance, Maltese dogs are an athletic breed and can thrive in sports such as obedience or agility. While Maltese have an abundance of energy, daily walks or playtime with their family are usually enough to keep them happy and healthy.
Fun Activities for a Maltese
Walking
Indoor/outdoor playing
Obedience
Agility
Maltese Grooming Guide
Maltese are known for their long, silky white coat, which requires daily care to prevent mats and tangles. Their fur should be brushed or combed daily, and regular bathing will keep their skin and coat healthy and clean. Maltese tend to be low-shedding dogs and are often suitable for people with dog allergies.
Skin Care
Skin care for the Maltese can vary depending on the individuals needs. However, this breed does not typically have sensitive skin. Regular brushing and bathing to maintain their coat is the best way to keep their skin healthy as well.
Coat Care
The Malteses long coat is prone to matting, which can cause skin infections if not cared for properly. Daily brushing is required to prevent their fur from matting or tangling. When bathing a Maltese, its important to thoroughly rinse and then dry the hair to prevent skin irritation or infection from the shampoo and moisture.
Eye Care
Their white coat can predispose the Maltese to more prevalent tear staining, but routine cleaning with a soft, damp cloth will help keep this to a minimum. Excessive staining could be a sign of other underlying conditions (such as allergies or plugged tear ducts) and should be discussed with a veterinarian.
Ear Care
Routine cleaning with a veterinary-approved ear cleaner is vital in maintaining healthy ear canals. This should also be done any time a Maltese is in water, such as after swimming or bathing.
Considerations for Pet Parents
The silky, white coat of Maltese dogs is often a major draw for new pet owners, but this breed will do best in a home that is able to provide daily maintenance of their coat. They need to be brushed every dayincluding after routine baths.
While they are high-energy dogs, Maltese dont require a lot of exercise to expend that energy, which can make them well-suited for busier families. Their tiny stature makes the rambunctious nature of young children somewhat intimidating for the Maltese, but theyll fit right in with families that have older kids.
Maltese FAQs
Is a Maltese a good family dog?
Maltese are very affectionate and loving toward their families. They do well with children who know how to interact properly with small animals, but may be best suited for a family with older kids who are always gentle.
Are Maltese smart dogs?
Maltese have been human companions for centuriesand are therefore adept in training their humans to get what they want. This intelligence can be perceived as stubbornness, but Maltese dogs respond very well to consistency and positive training methods.
Is a Maltese hypoallergenic?
Hypoallergenic dogs are actually a myth, as all dogs produce allergens from their coat, dander, urine, and saliva. But because of their low-shedding coat, a Maltese can be a good fit for some people who experience dog allergies. Before bringing home a Maltese puppy, spend time with the breed first to see how your allergies react.
How long does a Maltese live?
The typical Maltese lifespan is 12-15 years.
How much does a Maltese cost?
Depending on the breeders experience and the puppys pedigree, the cost of a Maltese puppy can range from $600-$2,000.
Are Maltese quiet dogs?
Maltese are known to be moderate barkers, and they can be quite vocal in showing their displeasure about something.
Featured Image: iStock/enviromantic
WRITTEN BY
Teresa Kho-Pelfrey, DVMVeterinarian
Dr. Teresa Kho-Pelfrey graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2015 and completed her clinical year at Purdue...
How Much to Feed a Maltese (Puppy & Adult Feeding Chart)
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Maltese dogs are tiny pooches that are arguably the cutest dogs in the toy group; however, due to their tiny size, Maltese feeding can be tricky.
Although you want your Maltese to enjoy their meals, you must also provide the necessary nutrients for it. Their food must properly fuel their tiny bodies to prevent health and weight problems.
This guide will teach you how to feed your Maltese and follow a proper feeding schedule. It will also go over the age-based nutritional requirements of Maltese. Keep reading to discover all of these and more!
Maltese Feeding Chart by Age: How Much to Feed Your Maltese?
The amount of food your Maltese will consume largely depends on its age. For Maltese puppies, a quarter to three-quarters of a cup of puppy food daily is enough. Meanwhile, adult and senior Maltese need at least three-fourth cups of dog food daily.
You need to give your Maltese puppy enough food to promote healthy growth and lessen the risk of obesity. You can also make a proper diet decision for your dog by using the feeding schedule provided in this guide.
However, you shouldnt use this as your only guide when determining how much food to feed your Maltese. It should be adjusted depending on your dogs needs and the assistance of your pet nutritionist or dogs vet.
Maltese Puppy Feeding Chart (2 to 12 months)
Maltese puppies depend on their mothers milk from birth for the first five weeks. Like all young puppies, a Maltese puppy will go through weaning. This procedure involves switching from mothers milk to puppy food.
During this time, their growth requires more calories than adult dogs to meet their energy requirements. That said, a high-quality and protein-rich diet is essential to help your Maltese grow into healthy adults.
To know the feeding requirement of your Maltese puppy, refer to the feeding chart below:
| Age | Daily Food Quantity(Cups) | Kilocalories(Per day) | Protein | Fats |
| 2 3 months | 0.25 0.5 | 80 125 | 22% 32% | 10% 25% |
| 4 5 months | 0.25 0.75 | 125 250 | 22% 32% | 10% 25% |
| 6 9 months | 0.5 0.75 | 165 385 | 22% 32% | 10% 25% |
| 10 12 months | 0.5 0.75 | 315 400 | 22% 32% | 10% 25% |
The amounts might seem very little, but remember that Malteses are small dogs, and their size affects how much food they can consume.
In general, puppies are susceptible to diseases at this age. That said, the food you feed them should contain nutrients that will strengthen their immune systems.
Following this advice, you can ensure that your Maltese puppys muscles and bones will develop properly. A high protein diet will also provide enough energy for your dogs everyday physical activity.
Adult Maltese Feeding Chart (1 to 7 years)
Maltese reaches its adult size between 12 and 15 months. As they age, they will grow within a fairly typical range. However, you should tailor your expectation to the type and gender of your Maltese puppy.
The Maltese should have a robust immune system by the time it reaches adulthood. That said, throughout the mature stage, you should offer your Maltese dog food that has been made to increase its lifespan.
The table below shows that an adult dog requires fewer calories than a Maltese puppy. Most dogs, especially larger canines, experience this as they age because their metabolism slows down slightly.
Heres how much food to feed your adult Maltese:
| Age | Daily Food Quantity(Cups) | Kilocalories(Per day) | Protein | Fats |
| 1 7 years | 0.7 | 180 360 | 22% | 10% |
With this chart as a guide, you can help your adult dog grow to the standard size and weight. Additionally, keeping your dog on a healthy diet will prevent health issues later on.
Senior Maltese Feeding Chart (7 years and older)
The Maltese will need different nutrients as it ages, and once it reaches the age of 7 years old, it will be considered a senior dog.
As your Maltese dog becomes less active, it will require less energy. As a result, finding a kibble that will satisfy all its nutritional needs while having fewer calories is critical.
Also, your Maltese needs less fat. Not only may too much fat make it overweight, but as it gets older, your pup can develop a sensitive digestive system which makes it difficult to properly break down fat.
The feeding chart below illustrates your senior Malteses ideal daily food consumption:
| Age | Daily Food Quantity(Cups) | Kilocalories(Per day) | Protein | Fats |
| 8 years and above | 0.7 | 246 408 | 20% | 5.5% |
You can see from the table that senior Maltese require less food in quantity and calories. Following this advice will guarantee that your Maltese isnt overfed or underfed, given their age and digestive situation.
To be safe, it is recommended to ask your veterinarian or a pet nutritionist for a senior-specific diet.
Meanwhile, you might need to estimate and keep track of your Maltese dogs daily calorie intake if you decide to feed it homemade meals throughout its life stages.
Maltese Feeding Frequency: How Often Should You Feed Your Maltese?
The feeding frequency of a Maltese depends on its age. Maltese puppies under three months old are recommended to be free-fed. On the other hand, Maltese puppies between 3 and 11 months should have 3 to 4 meals per day. Meanwhile, adult and senior Malteses should be fed twice daily.
A Maltese puppy should be accustomed to eating three scheduled meals when it reaches three months old. This establishes an eating routine, which is extremely beneficial for dogs.
This steady adjustment should continue until your Maltese is 12 months old. After that, they should naturally eat twice daily during adulthood.
The table below summarizes the feeding frequency for Maltese dogs:
| Age | Feeding Frequency |
| 0 3 months | Free-fed |
| 4 12 months | Three to four times a day |
| 1 6 years | Two to three times a day |
| 7 years and above | Twice a day |
The Malteses are usually lively little dogs that can burn calories quickly. Still, if given unlimited access to food, they can quickly gain weight.
That said, to monitor your dogs meal intake, follow the recommended feeding frequency unless your vet suggests otherwise.
As mentioned earlier, a Maltese should have two meals at least once a day, about 12 hours apart. A schedule that includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner is also a great choice.
This is important as their stomach might become hyper acidic and cause nausea if more than 12 hours pass between meals.
Optimal Feeding Times for Maltese
Aside from the amount and frequency of feeding, another consideration while feeding Maltese dogs is when to feed them.
Maltese feeding schedules assist you in keeping your dogs energy levels, weight, and digestive health in check.
Maltese pups that are being free-fed dont have a specific schedule to follow. As for an adult Maltese, the optimal feeding time is morning, noon, and evening. Meanwhile, for senior Malteses, the most appropriate feeding time is morning and evening.
Because of the feeding schedule, your pet starts to depend on you as their owner to provide food at specific times.
A regular feeding routine strengthens your relationship with your pet and reassures it that you care.
Heres a summary of the optimal feeding times for the Maltese:
| Age | Optimal Feeding Times |
| 0 3 months | Free-feeding |
| 4 12 months | 7:00 am, 1:00 pm, 7:00 pmor7:00 am, 11:00 am, 3:00 pm, 7:00 pm |
| 1 6 years | 7:00 am and 7:00 pmor7:00 am, 1:00 pm, 7:00 pm |
| 7 years and above | 7:00 am and 7:00 pm |
As previously said, three months or older Maltese should be taught to eat three to four times a day. The most appropriate time is morning, before noon, afternoon, and early evening.
For an adult Maltese, the same recommended feeding schedule is appropriate. On the other hand, it is advised that a senior Maltese get two meals daily, one in the morning and one in the evening.
Consult with the breeder or rescue organization where you adopted your dog if youre having difficulties getting your Maltese to eat on schedule. It can be possible that your Maltese is already used to its previous feeding routine.
Best Dog Foods for Maltese
A Maltese dog feeding guide would be incomplete without advice on the best dog food for this furry breed. This is important whether youre raising a puppy or caring for an older dog.
Malteses have a wide variety of food choices. Nutrition is just as crucial for a young Maltese puppy as it is for an older Maltese.
The best pet food differs depending on your Maltese dog. Since it may be a picky eater or has food allergies, it is crucial to keep an eye on your Malteses response to various dog diets.
The list below shows the best dog food options you can provide your Maltese:
- Dry Food: Giving dry food will help keep your Maltese full and satisfied at regular intervals. Avoid generic brands as they might harm your dogs health. Simply seek a brand suggestion from your veterinarian or the breeder where you got your Maltese.
- Wet Food: A can of wet food is a type of food that is mainly made of water and is very mushy. This might serve as the primary meal for your Maltese or can be added to your dogs diet mix with kibble. The best-canned foods will have a lot of protein, fish oil, and some nutritious fruits.
- BARF Diet: Biologically-Approved Raw Food Diet (BARF) is an alternative diet with raw meat and bones that are usually combined with fruits and vegetables. The raw diet is beneficial for your Maltese dog since it is high in protein, moderate in fat, and low in carbohydrates.
- Home-Cooked Diet: Making your own Maltese food gives you the flexibility to change the ingredients to meet your dogs nutritional needs. According to some experts, homemade food is preferable for Maltese dogs since it excludes additives and is less likely to have dangerous bacteria or diseases.
The video below shows a homemade recipe you can follow to feed your Maltese pup:
The best diet for any Maltese color variation, including the black Maltese, is well-balanced, high-quality, and created especially for little or toy dogs.
Meanwhile, because the coat color of this dog breed is exclusively white, it is preferable to choose a food with lower quantities of beta-carotene and copper. This can prevent the discoloration of their white coat.
You can also read our article about appropriate foods for Maltese. It offers a comprehensive guide with various categories that will help you know what your Maltese can eat and what to avoid giving them.
Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Maltese
As previously said, Malteses are famously picky eaters, and their stomachs are extremely sensitive. The food a Maltese dog consumes will have an immediate and long-term effect on its health.
It is equally crucial that the food your Maltese eats provides the necessary food that does not result in problems like upset stomachs or allergic responses.
This includes onions and garlic, which contain a chemical that can harm a dogs red blood cells, leading in severe cases to anemia.
Due to the caffeine and methylamine content, coffee, tea, and cola are poisonous to dogs. Consuming any of these could cause tremors, hyperactivity, a rapid heartbeat, and in some severe cases, sudden death.
Chocolate is also considered one of the foods that Maltese puppies and adult dogs should avoid eating.
It includes methylamines, which can result in increased urination, vomiting, a rapid and erratic heartbeat, muscle trembling, and seizures.
All prescribed and over-the-counter medications, including painkillers, anti-inflammatories, and vitamins, are highly hazardous to dogs and may be lethal.
You should avoid giving your dog any medications unless your veterinarian has prescribed them.
Furthermore, because of the potential side effects, there are other foods you should avoid giving your Maltese.
Although they are not considered hazardous, they can make your dog feel sick, have diarrhea, and gain weight.
Many dogs end up in veterinary clinics due to incorrect feeding. This can get costly, especially if your dog ingests something extremely poisonous.
Read our article on Maltese costs to learn more about the cost of medical emergencies.
READ NEXT: Can Dogs Eat Crackers? Answers for 45+ Types of Crackers
How to Transition Your Maltese to a New Food
There may come a time when you need to switch out your dogs diet. Regardless if youre trying out a healthier formula or switching to homemade foods, a gradual transition is definitely advised.
For starters, your dog must be introduced to the suggested new diet slowly. Making a sudden switch might lead to digestive problems, and the puppy might not be interested in trying new flavors.
These adjustments should take place over 5 to 7 days. During this transition, you will progressively include more of the new food by combining it with your dogs current diet.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) recommends starting with 25% of the new food and gradually increasing it to 100% until the dogs previous diet is entirely replaced.
Heres a transition chart that you can use as a guide for your Maltese:
| Day | Old Food | New Food |
| 1 2 | 75% | 25% |
| 3 4 | 50% | 50% |
| 5 6 | 25% | 75% |
| 7 | 0% | 100% |
However, a more extended transition period might be necessary for some dogs with sensitive stomachs, food allergies, or other gastrointestinal conditions.
Meanwhile, keeping an eye on your dogs responses is the secret to a successful diet change. To keep your dog in tip-top shape, you should ensure that its diet is well-balanced and appropriate.
Feeding an Overweight Maltese
Malteses are tiny dogs that weigh only 4 to 7 pounds at maturity. Unfortunately, owners often overfeed and give too many treats, which causes them to gain excess weight.
It is crucial to regularly check on your Maltese to ensure they are not becoming overweight, given that over half of dogs in the United States belong to this category.
You can tell that your Maltese is overweight when you cant feel its ribs or cant tell where the rib cage and hips meet.
Meanwhile, if you take a few steps and your Maltese starts panting and wants to stop, they are likely overweight and out of shape unless there are other reasons why its panting.
An indication of a healthy Maltese weight is the thin layer of fat that covers their ribcage. In contrast, Maltese who are overweight have an observable layer of fat in their chest and abdomen.
It is always advisable to seek confirmation from a professional veterinarian regardless of these symptoms.
To reduce the danger of obesity, you should monitor their calorie intake and weight. You should clearly understand the food your dog should eat once your veterinarian has created a weight-management plan.
You may also use a suitable measurement device instead of free-feeding or eyeballing how much dog food you feed your Maltese. This way, you can ensure that you are providing the recommended portion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is My Maltese Not Eating?
Your Maltese may refuse to eat for a variety of reasons. Minor problems, such as dental problems, stomachaches, or environmental stress, are possible causes.
However, it may also result from unfavorable prescription medications, sudden dietary changes, increased body temperatures, or your dogs picky eating habits.
Do Maltese Eat a Lot?
Maltese dogs are known for being picky eaters and sometimes do not eat much. They require some encouragement when it comes to eating because they tend to be fussy.
Maltese owners often discover that giving their dogs a diet made specifically for the breed yields the best benefits. These healthy diets have alluring flavors and the perfect ratio of nutrients to suit their nutritional needs.
Can Maltese Eat Bones?
Maltese dogs can eat the majority of raw or uncooked bones. Raw bones from cattle, lamb, chicken, or turkey are easily chewed and ingested.
On the other hand, they are not allowed to consume cooked bones. Any type of bone, no matter the size, will become fragile after cooking.
Can Maltese Be Vegetarians?
Vegetarian and vegan meals are possible for Maltese dogs, but they must be followed carefully. These diets may contain less protein needed by your dog.
The best method is to speak with a veterinarian or pet nutritionist to ensure that a sudden lifestyle shift to a vegetarian diet wont compromise your dogs health.
Final Thoughts
Maltese dogs dont eat too much, which makes sense given their small stature and lightweight.
That said, the amount of food you feed them matters a lot. As owners, you should be aware of the right food, ideal quantity, and schedule for your dog.
A high-quality puppy diet should also provide the nutrients necessary for healthy vision and brain development. The right pick for a Maltese puppy is dog food that will improve their bones and not make them overweight.
Speaking with your veterinarian about your Malteses best feeding options is advised. They can assist in ensuring that your Maltese consumes the safest and healthiest diet possible.
What is your experience in feeding your Maltese? Let us know some tips and tricks about Maltese feeding in the comments below!
