Maltese dogs are known for their delicate features and sensitive stomachs. They require a diet rich in protein and low in fat to maintain optimal health.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are a great addition to a Maltese's diet, but it's essential to introduce them gradually to prevent digestive upset.
Maltese dogs can thrive on a high-quality commercial dog food that meets their nutritional needs.
Dietary Basics
When choosing the right food for your Maltese puppy, it's essential to understand their dietary basics.
The ideal protein content in a Maltese puppy's diet is between 22% to 32%.
A well-balanced diet should also include fat making up 10% to 25% of the total content.
Fiber should be around 6% of the total content.
To ensure your Maltese puppy gets the right amount of food, you should feed them 1/4 to 3/4 cup of food per day.
The caloric content should be between 88 to 400 kcal.
A feeding schedule with multiple small meals throughout the day is recommended.
This can include meals in the morning, midday, evening, and before bedtime.
Nutrition and Feeding
Feeding your Maltese dog requires some thought and attention to their specific needs. A well-balanced and high-quality diet is essential for their overall health.
Choose a premium food that is high in quality and has a named meat listed as the main ingredient, as recommended by your vet. This will help ensure your Maltese has a strong digestive system.
Maltese dogs have a small stomach, so it's crucial to feed them small, frequent meals throughout the day, especially when they're puppies. This will help prevent hypoglycemia, a life-threatening condition.
A good starting point for feeding your Maltese is to provide 60g to 80g of food per day, depending on their weight and age. You can refer to the Maltese Feeding Chart for a more detailed guide.
Maltese puppies require a diet rich in protein, fat, and fiber, with a protein content ranging from 22% to 32%, fat making up 10% to 25%, and a fiber percentage close to 6%. You can also refer to the Dietary Needs of Maltese Puppies for more information.
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Some foods to avoid feeding your Maltese include chocolate, grapes, raisins, avocados, onions, and garlic, as they are toxic to dogs.
Here's a summary of the dietary requirements for Maltese dogs at different stages of their life:
Remember to always consult with your vet before making any changes to your Maltese's diet, especially if they have any health conditions or allergies.
Monitoring Weight and Portion Control
Monitoring your Maltese's weight is crucial to prevent obesity. Allowing them to overindulge can lead to serious health issues.
A structured feeding regimen is key to keeping your Maltese at a healthy weight. This means feeding them at regular intervals to prevent overeating.
Training your dog to eat appropriately sized portions is also essential. You can safeguard your Maltese's health by having a clear understanding of their appetite.
By monitoring your Maltese's weight and adjusting their portions accordingly, you can help them stay healthy and happy.
For more insights, see: Weight of Maltese Dogs
Special Considerations for Small, Show, and Senior Dogs
As a Maltese dog owner, you know that your furry friend requires special care, especially as they age or participate in dog shows. Maltese dogs are intelligent, full of energy, and have a strong protective instinct, which means their dietary needs are unique.
To ensure your Maltese dog stays healthy, it's essential to tailor their meals according to their needs. For senior Maltese dogs, a modified diet is crucial to maintain a healthy weight.
A senior Maltese dog's diet should include 20% protein to maintain muscle mass. This is crucial for their overall health and well-being.
Here's a breakdown of a senior Maltese dog's nutritional requirements:
- 20% protein to maintain muscle mass
- 5.3% fat for energy and healthy skin
- Adequate amount of fiber to support digestive health
A measured portion of approximately 0.7 cups of food per day, between 240 and 408 kcal, meets a senior dog's nutritional requirements. This can be divided into two meals, one in the morning and one in the evening.
Raw and Limited Diets
Feeding a limited ingredient diet can help reduce the chance of developing a skin allergy in Maltese dogs. This is because many canine food allergies are caused by feeding dog foods with long ingredient lists.
A natural, whole food diet like raw food can help keep your dog healthy and happy, and prevent common health conditions such as obesity, joint, dental, and digestive issues.
The canine digestive tract is best suited to fresh, high-protein-based diets consisting predominantly of meat, bones, and offal, which is why a raw diet is a good option for Maltese dogs.
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Raw Feeding Guide
Raw feeding can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you're new to it. The good news is that you don't have to create homemade raw food meals for your Maltese from scratch.
Choosing a reputable supplier of pre-prepared raw dog food can make a big difference. By opting for FEDIAF approved recipes, such as ProDog's Complete raw dog food or raw puppy food formula ranges, you can ensure your dog is receiving nutritionally balanced meals daily.
A dog's stomach is not designed to digest and ferment carbohydrates, so it's best to avoid kibble altogether. Even grain-free kibble can contain high levels of starchy carbs that can put your dog's digestive system under pressure.
Raw food diets are designed to replicate the natural, high-protein-based diets that dogs' digestive tracts are best suited for. This can help prevent common health conditions such as obesity, joint, dental, and digestive issues.
By choosing a pre-prepared raw dog food supplier, you can stock your freezer with quality raw food meals at the click of a button. This can be especially helpful if you're short on time or not sure where to start.
The canine species is resilient, but there's a world of difference between surviving and thriving. A natural, raw diet can help your Maltese thrive, not just survive.
Limited Ingredients
Feeding a limited ingredient diet can help reduce the chance of developing a skin allergy in Maltese dogs.
Many canine food allergies are caused by long ingredient lists in dog foods, so a limited ingredient diet can help minimize this risk.
A limited ingredient diet gives you more control over what you put in your dog's mouth.
It's worth noting that a limited ingredient diet is not the same as a raw diet, although some people may choose to combine the two.
Maltese dogs can get itchy skin caused by allergies, and a limited ingredient diet may help alleviate this issue.
Human Foods and Charts
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You can safely give your Maltese a little lean meat as an occasional treat.
Carrots, broccoli, and cucumber are all great options for veggies, and they're safe for your dog to eat in moderation.
Apples, blueberries, and cranberries are also okay to share with your Maltese, but remember to only give them in small amounts.
Chocolate, grapes, raisins, avocados, onions, and garlic are toxic to dogs, so make sure to keep these foods out of reach.
Start with a tiny amount of human food to see how your dog reacts, and gradually increase the amount if they tolerate it.
Human Foods
If your Maltese can tolerate a tiny amount of human food without getting an upset stomach, you can try them with a little more next time.
Lean meat is a safe option for your dog in moderation.
Vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and cucumber are also safe for your dog to eat.
Fruits like apples, blueberries, and cranberries are safe for your dog in moderation.
Chocolate, grapes, raisins, avocados, onions, and garlic are toxic to dogs and should be avoided.
Start with a tiny amount of human food to ensure your dog can tolerate it without getting an upset stomach.
Feeding Chart
Feeding your furry friend the right amount of food is crucial for their health and happiness. A Maltese dog, for instance, requires 60g to 80g of food per day.
If you're wondering how much this costs, the average price per day for a Maltese dog is £0.26 to £0.34.
Frequently Asked Questions
What foods are Maltese allergic to?
Common food allergens for Maltese include chicken, beef, eggs, milk, corn, and soy, with animal proteins being the primary culprits in food intolerance cases
Can Maltese dogs eat scrambled eggs?
Yes, Maltese dogs can have scrambled eggs as an occasional treat, but it's essential to provide a balanced diet with high-quality dog food as their primary source of nutrition
Should I feed my Maltese wet or dry food?
For optimal nutrition, consider offering a mix of both wet and dry food to your Maltese. This combination provides the best of both worlds for your pet's hydration and dental health.
Do Maltese have sensitive stomachs?
Maltese dogs are prone to sensitive stomachs, making a balanced diet crucial to their health. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your Maltese.
Sources
- Maltese (akc.org)
- Maltese puppy’s sustenance (petmaltese.com)
- diet of a Maltese puppy (petheral.com)
- toy breed category (akc.org)
- health problems (petmaltese.com)
- https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/maltese/ (akc.org)
- https://www.petmaltese.com/maltese-feeding-guidelines (petmaltese.com)
- Find the right food for a Maltese Dog (husse.com)
- What Can a Maltese Eat? Choosing the Best Diet for Your ... (raisedrightpets.com)
- Maltese - Dog Feeding Guide (prodograw.com)
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