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.
AAFCO 2023Niemiec 2013NRC 2006
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) |
The Maltese's pure white coat makes tear staining especially visible, and skin allergies are common. Their small, crowded teeth also make them particularly prone to tartar buildup and dental disease. Choosing food with these traits in mind makes a meaningful difference.
Three key dietary priorities for Maltese
① Tear stains & skin allergies → single-protein food without artificial colors
② Periodontal disease → appropriate kibble size, dental care
③ Patellar luxation → ideal weight + glucosamine support
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
- ✓DHA — Kelley (2004) found that DHA-supplemented puppies showed significant improvements in learning ability and retinal function
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
- ✓Dental health — Niemiec (2013): over 80% of small breed dogs develop periodontal disease before age 3. Check for dental care ingredients and kibble size
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
- ✓Protein misconception — restricting high-quality protein in seniors with normal kidney function can actually cause muscle loss
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 |
⚠These figures are estimates. Calorie content varies by brand — always check the feeding guide on your food's packaging. Include treat calories in your total daily calculation.
💡Treats should be limited to 10% of daily caloric intake. For a 3 kg Maltese, this means roughly 16 kcal from treats — about 1–2 small treats.
Three Key Health Issues & Dietary Management
Periodontal Disease — The Small Breed Challenge
- ✓Niemiec (2013): Over 80% of small breed dogs show signs of periodontal disease before age 3. The Maltese is especially vulnerable due to a small, crowded mouth.
- ✓Dietary management: Dry kibble sized 8–12mm provides mechanical abrasion that slows tartar formation. VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) certified foods and dental chews can also help.
- ✓Daily tooth brushing and professional scaling by a vet 1–2 times per year are essential.
Tear Staining (Epiphora) — Diet + Anatomy
- ✓Tear staining has two main causes: ① Anatomical factors (narrow nasolacrimal duct, eyelash direction) ② Dietary factors (artificial dyes, allergenic proteins).
- ✓Dietary management: Switch to a food free of artificial colors (especially red and yellow dyes) and artificial flavors. Observe for at least 4–6 weeks. Use a single-protein LID to narrow down allergen sources.
- ✓If there is no improvement after changing food, a veterinary ophthalmology exam is recommended.
Patellar Luxation — Weight Management is Key
- ✓Patellar luxation is one of the most common orthopedic conditions in Maltese. Excess weight significantly increases the load on the knee joint and worsens symptoms.
- ✓Dietary management: Maintaining ideal weight (2.5–4 kg) is the top priority. Foods containing glucosamine and chondroitin help protect cartilage. Omega-3 (EPA+DHA) reduces joint inflammation.
- ✓Minimize jumping from heights and use non-slip mats on slippery floors.
Tear & Skin Dietary Checklist
- ✓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
💡Diet alone may not fully resolve tear staining. Anatomical causes such as eyelash direction or nasolacrimal duct structure are also common — a vet exam should come first.
Food Selection Checklist
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
- ✓Kibble size 8–12mm — mechanical friction reduces tartar formation
- ✓Low-sodium formulation — reduces strain on the heart and kidneys (increasingly important for senior small breeds)
- ✓No artificial flavors or colors — prevents worsening of tear staining
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of food is best for a Maltese?＋
Choose a small breed formula where a 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). According to Niemiec (2013), over 80% of small dogs develop periodontal disease before age 3 — consider kibble sized 8–12mm for dental benefits. If allergies are a concern, a limited-ingredient diet (LID) may be worth trying.
Can I reduce tear staining through diet?＋
Some owners report improvement after switching to foods without artificial colors or chemical additives. There are reports that artificial dyes — especially red and yellow varieties — can stimulate tear production. 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.
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 treat calories.
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.
My Maltese refuses to eat. What should I do?＋
Malteses can be sensitive to palatability. Adding a small amount of warm water to enhance the aroma, or placing a small amount of wet food on top of dry kibble, can be effective. However, relying on treats or human food to coax them may worsen picky eating habits. If food refusal persists for more than 2 days, consult a vet.
Can I give my Maltese fish oil as a supplement?＋
Yes, supplementing omega-3 (EPA+DHA) can support tear stain reduction, skin health, and joint inflammation control. A general supplemental dose is approximately 20–50mg EPA+DHA per kg of body weight. However, if your dog's current food already contains substantial fish oil, be cautious about doubling up. Excessive intake may affect blood clotting — consult your vet before adding supplements.
References
- AAFCO. (2023). Dog Food Nutrient Profiles.
- Niemiec, B.A. (2013). Periodontal disease. Topics in Companion Animal Medicine, 23(2), 72–80.
- Kelley, R.L. et al. (2004). Dietary factors affecting cognitive function and retinal development in puppies. JAVMA.
- Lund, E.M. et al. (2006). Prevalence and risk factors for obesity in adult dogs. Int J Appl Res Vet Med, 4(2).
- NRC. (2006). Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press.
- Roze, M. et al. (2005). Omega-3 fatty acids and skin health in dogs. Vet Dermatol.
⚠The information on this page is for general educational purposes only. If your dog has a health condition, consult a licensed veterinarian before making dietary changes.