Breed Guide
Maltese Dog Food Guide
The Maltese is known for its silky white coat, which makes tear staining highly visible. Skin allergies and dental disease are also common concerns. Choosing the right food plays an important role in managing these issues.
Basic Info & Common Health Issues
| Average Weight | 3–4 kg (adult) |
| Average Lifespan | 12–15 years |
| Coat Type | Single coat, long white hair |
| Common Health Issues | Tear stains, skin allergies, dental disease, hypoglycemia, luxating patella |
| Activity Level | Moderate (adapts well to indoor life) |
Nutrition Guide by Life Stage
Puppy (0–12 months)
- ✓Choose small breed puppy formula (small kibble size)
- ✓At least 22.5% protein; DHA recommended for brain development
- ✓Feed 3–4 small meals per day to prevent hypoglycemia
- ✓Avoid sudden diet changes — digestive system is sensitive
Adult (10 months–7 years)
- ✓Small breed adult or indoor formula
- ✓Clear protein source as first ingredient (chicken, salmon, etc.)
- ✓Check omega-3/6 content for skin and coat health
- ✓Manage calorie intake to prevent obesity
Senior (7+ years)
- ✓Highly digestible, high-quality protein
- ✓Glucosamine & chondroitin for joint support
- ✓Lower phosphorus to protect kidney function
- ✓Consider mixing wet food if dental health declines
Daily Calorie & Feeding Amount by Weight
Based on RER (Resting Energy Requirement) = 70 × weight(kg)^0.75. Maintenance energy for a neutered adult is typically RER × 1.4–1.6.
| Weight | Daily Calories (adult, neutered) | Approx. Amount (400 kcal/100g) |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 kg | ~130–150 kcal/day | ~33–38 g |
| 3 kg | ~155–175 kcal/day | ~39–44 g |
| 3.5 kg | ~175–200 kcal/day | ~44–50 g |
| 4 kg | ~195–225 kcal/day | ~49–56 g |
Dietary Tips for Tear Stains & Skin Issues
Diet can influence tear staining and skin sensitivity in the Maltese. However, anatomical causes (nasolacrimal duct structure, eyelash direction) are also common — a vet exam is recommended first.
- ✓Choose foods with no artificial colors or chemical preservatives
- ✓Try a limited-ingredient diet (LID) with a single protein to identify allergens
- ✓Check omega-3 (fish oil, EPA+DHA) content for skin barrier support
- ✓If grain allergy is suspected, consider grain-free — consult a vet for long-term use
- ✓Evaluate on the same food for at least 4 weeks before drawing conclusions
What to Look for in Food
Rather than recommending specific brands, here are the food criteria that tend to work well for Malteses.
- ✓Small breed formula (appropriate kibble size and calorie density)
- ✓Single animal protein (chicken, salmon, or duck) as the first ingredient
- ✓Omega-3 (EPA+DHA) included
- ✓No artificial colors, BHA, BHT, or synthetic preservatives
- ✓Probiotics (prebiotics) for digestive and skin health
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What type of food is best for a Maltese?
Choose a small breed formula where a clear single animal protein (chicken, salmon, or duck) is the first ingredient. Look for omega-3 (EPA+DHA) for coat health and avoid artificial colors and synthetic preservatives (BHA/BHT). If allergies are a concern, a limited-ingredient diet (LID) may be worth trying.
Q. Can I reduce tear staining through diet?
Some owners report improvement after switching to foods without artificial colors or chemical additives. Allow at least 4–6 weeks after switching and monitor changes. Keep in mind that tear staining is often caused by anatomical factors (nasolacrimal duct structure, eyelash direction), so a vet exam should come first.
Q. How much food should I feed my Maltese per day?
For an adult neutered Maltese weighing 3 kg, approximately 155–175 kcal/day is a general guideline — about 39–44 g for a 400 kcal/100g food. Calorie content varies by brand, so always check the feeding guide on the packaging and factor in treats.
Q. When should I switch a Maltese puppy to adult food?
The Maltese is a small breed that reaches near-adult size around 10–12 months. Transition to small breed adult food at that point, gradually mixing old and new food over 7–10 days to minimize digestive upset.