Maltese dogs, hailing from the oldest breeds, are small, pure white, indoor dogs typically weighing between 2-3 kilograms. They’re renowned as family dogs and therapy dogs, making them well-suited for households with elderly residents.
Caring for these small but active dogs, who love outdoor play, isn’t difficult. Feeding them a well-balanced diet with the right nutrients is key.
Feeding Guidelines
Up to 4 weeks old
From birth to 4 weeks of age, Maltese puppies mustn’t consume solid foods. Mother’s milk is their primary diet. If that’s not possible, feed them milk replacement formulas every two hours.
8-12 weeks old
Transition the puppies from milk replacement formulas to solid foods once they’ve reached 8 weeks old. At this stage, an 8-week-old Maltese puppy requires double the calorie intake of an adult Maltese, roughly around 400 calories per day for healthy growth. Free-feeding is suggested for new Maltese puppies, given their typically low blood sugar levels.
Free-feeding doesn’t imply indiscriminate feeding; you need to monitor the amount of food in the puppy’s bowl to prevent overeating and health issues. Feed the puppy four times a day.
12 weeks to 9 months old
As the puppy grows, you can reduce the frequency of feeding. From four times a day, bring it down to three times a day once they reach 12 weeks old.
Adult Maltese
Once your Maltese matures into an adult (usually around one year old), you can adjust the feeding schedule to 2 to 3 times a day, depending on your dog’s preferences.
Fruits Maltese Can Eat
Banana, Apple, Watermelon, Strawberries, Blueberries, Mango, Orange, Pineapple, Pears, Papaya, Raspberries, Tangerine, Dragon fruit
Fruits Maltese Can’t Eat
Grapes, Red Grapes, Pistachios
Vegetables Maltese Can Eat
Zucchini, Okra, Olive, Potatoes, Carrots, Broccoli, Sweet Potatoes, Corn, Turnips
Vegetables Maltese Can’t Eat
Onions, Tomatoes
Human Food Maltese Can Eat
Peanut Butter, Peanuts, Cheese, Steak, Chicken, Rice, Pork, Salmon, Eggs, Quinoa, Yogurt, Shrimp, Turkey, Tuna, Lamb, Cashews
Human Food Maltese Can’t Eat
Walnuts, Raisins, Ribs, Spaghetti, Whipped Cream, Sugar, Chocolates, Raw Meat, Mushrooms, Milk, Chicken Nuggets, Nuts, Cinnamon
Foods To Be Avoided
Fillers, Artificial additives, Generic Meat Source, By-products
Quality Foods For Maltese
Wholesome food ingredients without any fillers, Food without artificial additives, Real meat source, Healthy ingredients like fish oil, Fruits and vegetables
Supplements for Maltese
Vitamin and mineral supplements, Calming Supplements, Omega-3, Probiotics
Maltese Diet Considerations
Picky Eaters
Maltese dogs are known to be selective eaters, often refusing foods they dislike. Hence, foods that are both nutritious and palatable should be given priority while feeding your Maltese.
Prone To Obesity
Given their small size (not exceeding 7 pounds), Maltese dogs are susceptible to obesity. Their diet requires close scrutiny to avoid overfeeding and subsequent weight gain.
Delicate Teeth
Maltese dogs often face dental challenges due to their sensitive and delicate teeth. Dry foods are usually preferred over wet foods as they help clean the teeth. It’s best to avoid wet foods for your Maltese.
