A Maltese dog may look luxurious, but it is one of the gentlest, affectionate, and friendliest dog breeds around, and no one knows this better than their owners. With such a lively and playful dog, you certainly want to give them the best, including the best food for their diet.
To keep your Maltese dog happy, carefree, and energetic, feed them the right food full of nutrients that works for their bodies. If you’re wondering what that diet looks like, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, you’ll discover the best dog food for Maltese and how to pick the right food to keep your pooch’s belly full and satisfied.
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Maltese are not the type of dogs that will eat anything. They are particular with their food, so it’s more likely that you’ll have to experiment with a few different products and brands before you find something they’re happy with.
What to Know Before Choosing the Best Dog Food for Maltese
Every dog breed is different, which means that every dog has different nutritional needs. You must understand the nutritional needs of the Maltese before you begin forming their diet.
Maltese Dogs Have Sensitive Stomachs
The first thing to know is that Maltese are more prone to sensitive stomachs than other dogs. For this reason, they need a diet with an adequate amount of fiber and probiotics for healthy digestion.
Prioritize proteins that are easy to digest, and try to stay away from artificial ingredients that may upset your Maltese puppy’s tummy or trigger a food allergy.
Maltese are Picky Eaters
Maltese are picky eaters — much more so than other dog breeds. If they don’t like food, they won’t hesitate to make that known and walk away. That may be frustrating at first, but you’ll eventually get to know your dog and learn what they like to eat.
It’s a good idea to start by serving simpler foods with minimal ingredients, such as food that contains one protein.
Maltese are Prone to Obesity
Despite being picky eaters, Maltese are prone to obesity, as is the case with many small dogs. The healthy weight of a Maltese is around 4 to 8 pounds. That said, because they’re such active dogs, they also need a lot of calories, making it tricky to find the right balance in their diet.
If you notice your Maltese getting a little chubby, you may need to cut down on food or switch their food completely to something less dense.
Maltese Can Have Joint and Dental Problems
Beyond that, other common health problems you’ll notice in the Maltese are joint and dental problems. Chondroitin and glucosamine are two ingredients that can minimize joint problems, and dry kibble can help keep your Maltese’s teeth clean.
Conclusion
Maltese are picky eaters, so you may find choosing a dog food they like more challenging than with most other dogs. However, it isn’t impossible, and just takes a little bit of patience, trial, and error.
Start by trying one of the small dog foods on this list for your toy breed and seeing how your Maltese reacts to the flavor and texture. With time, the best dog food for Maltese taste buds will become obvious, and you’ll have a happy, energetic dog who’s always satisfied.