best dog food for maltipoo puppies

12 Best Dog Foods for Maltipoos 2023 (Premium & Budget)

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Last Updated on April 25, 2023

While the hybrid offspring of the Poodle and Maltese dont have special dietary requirements, it also doesnt mean that you should feed them the first kibble you come across.

Having a well-balanced diet will ensure your dog has a long and fulfilling life.

Whether you have a new pup or youre simply searching for the best dog food for Maltipoos, well help you in your search for the right diet.

Top 5 Picks for Best Dog Food for Maltipoo

The Best Dog Food Brands for Maltipoos by Stage

Maltipoos are small dogs with an adorable, teddy bear-like face that has captured many hearts. Like many small breeds, they have specific caloric requirements depending on their life stage.

Best Puppy Foods for Maltipoos

The best puppy food is designed for healthy growth. Besides high-quality amino acids from an animal protein source, you also want to look for items fortified with omega fatty acids for cognitive development.

1. Nutro Wholesome Essentials Puppy Farm-Raised Chicken, Brown Rice & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food

Our rating: 5Top ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain BarleyType: Dry

Created with chicken as the first ingredient and free from any low-quality ingredients, which often causes allergies.

Incorporated with DHA and fatty acids that can help with brain and eye development exactly what you want for your growing puppy.

Pros:

• Suitable for all breeds up to a year old
• Free from chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, and soy
• Offers bone and joints support
• Contains essential antioxidants for a healthy immune system
• Rich with DHA and Omega-3 for cognitive development
• Lovingly made in the USA

Cons:

• Kibbles might be a tad big for tiny Maltipoo mouths

CHECK PRICE HERE

2. Royal Canin Small Puppy Dry Dog Food

Our rating: 5Top ingredients: Brewers Rice, Chicken By-Product Meal, Chicken FatType: Dry

Royal Canin has a reputation for catering specifically to various dog breeds.

The shapes and sizes of their kibble are created with the dogs needs in mind, effectively cleaning tartar and preventing plaque buildup.

The formula also features highly digestible protein and a nutritious profile.

Pros:

• Specially formulated for toy and small breed dogs, with appropriately kibble sizes
• Gentle on your pups digestive system

Cons:

• Brewers rice as the first ingredient, followed by chicken by-product meal which isnt the highest quality ingredients
• Considered pricey for the less than stellar ingredients

CHECK PRICE HERE

3. Wellness Small Breed Complete Health Puppy Turkey, Oatmeal & Salmon Meal Recipe Dry Dog Food

Our rating: 5Top ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Chicken Meal, OatmealType: Dry

Aside from meeting their caloric and nutritional needs, they have also ensured that the kibble size is the right shape and size for your small breed puppy.

Filled with the necessary nutrients for your crossbreeds healthy development. They also have a Wellness Core kibble for grain-sensitive pups.

Pros:

• Does not contain any meat by-products, fillers, or artificial preservatives
• Fortified with the necessary nutrients for a healthy puppy

Cons:

• Owners have complained that the kibbles are too hard for their small breed dogs

CHECK PRICE HERE

Best Dog Food for Maltipoo Adults

Adult Maltipoo dogs can still benefit from Omega oils, especially if they have skin problems. Essential nutrients such as antioxidants and vitamins will continue to keep your pets immunity strong.

4. Solid Gold Wee Bit Bison & Brown Rice Recipe with Pearled Barley Small Breed Dry Dog Food (all life stages)

Our rating: 5Top ingredients: Bison, Ocean Fish Meal, PeasType: Dry

Solid Gold believes that the little guys deserve just as much as the bigger dogs. Whether its nutrition or flavor, youll find it in this recipe.

Created with novel protein to ward off allergies and containing twenty over superfoods to fuel your small dog and keep him healthy.

Pros:

• With added probiotics and prebiotics for your poochs digestive system
• Omega oils naturally sourced from salmon
• Small bites kibbles which are perfect for smaller breeds
• Formulated with non-GMO grains
• Suitable for all life stages

Cons:

• Owners have raised their concern about the peas used in this recipe

CHECK PRICE HERE

5. Purina Bella Natural Bites with Real Chicken & Beef & Accents of Sweet Potatoes & Spinach Small Breed Dry Dog Food

Our rating: 5Top ingredients: Chicken By-Product Meal, Whole Grain Corn, Whole Grain WheatType: Dry

While they claim to be made from real chicken and beef, the ingredients prove otherwise. However, this highly rated dog food will improve your dogs coat and overall health.

Sweet potato is a healthy and sustainable source of energy for your small doggies without being overly caloric-dense.

Pros:

• Small kibbles and tender bits that are palatable and encourages proper chewing
• Specially formulated for small breeds and meets their dietary requirements

Cons:

• Chicken by-product meal as its first ingredient
• Some dogs are averse to the kibble and only eats the sweet potato bits

CHECK PRICE HERE

6. FirstMate Small Bites Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Australian Lamb Meal Formula Dry Dog Food

Our rating: 5Top ingredients: Lamb Meal, Burbank Potato, Norkotah PotatoType: Dry

A limited-ingredient formula for sensitive dogs. Formulated with just one type of protein, with potatoes as the sole carbohydrate source.

This recipe contains multiple berries for healthy antioxidants and a stronger immune system. Perfect for dogs that are sensitive to poultry, beef, grains, or gluten.

Pros:

• A gluten-free, pea-free, and grainless formula that eliminates any potential problems to either ingredient
• Crafted with GMO-free Australian lamb
• Rich in antioxidants
• Promotes healthy skin

Cons:

• Dime-sized kibble might be slightly large for smaller dogs

CHECK PRICE HERE

Best Dog Food for Maltipoo Seniors

Many Maltipoos often maintain their bounce well into their golden years and if thats the case, you can continue feeding them their adult food.

However, if they slow down a little, reduce their carb or fat intake and lower the calories.

Older Maltipoos should also be given a diet thats gentle on their aging digestive system.

7. ORIJEN Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Our rating: 5Top ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Deboned Turkey, Atlantic ounderType: Dry

A wonderful diet that features a whopping 38% of high-quality protein. Perfect for all dog breeds, its a palatable choice with its freeze-dried liver coated kibbles.

No worries about feeding your dog anything less than the best because ORIJEN is serious about delivering high-quality pet food.

Pros:

• High protein content from several sources of real meat
• Promotes healthy skin and coat
• Fortified with chondroitin and glucosamine to keep your aging poochs joints well-oiled and strong

Cons:

CHECK PRICE HERE

8. Iams ProActive Health Senior With Slow Cooked Chicken & Rice Canned Dog Food

Our rating: 4.5Top ingredients: Sufficient Water for Processing, Meat By-Products, Chicken, Chicken By-ProductsType: Dry

While the ingredients might not scream high-quality dog food, its a highly recommended dog food for seniors.

The pate consistency is gentle on the jaws of older dogs, plus its highly palatable, which will entice even the pickiest of eaters.

Pros:

• Great value for money
• Reviews have mentioned an improvement in coat health
• Even dogs with no teeth can eat this with ease

Cons:

• The gelatinous pate-like texture requires some breaking down, otherwise, it would stay in the same can shape

CHECK PRICE HERE

Best Dog Food for Maltipoos with Health Issues

Some dogs need the added support of certain ingredients to help with underlying health problems.

Offering your dog high-quality dog food from young will increase their chances of growing up fit and healthy.

Choosing a dog food for Maltipoos with health problems

Patellar luxation is a frequently seen problem in small breeds which causes immense but bearable pain. To combat this, you want food thats fortified with glucosamine for joint health.

White shaker syndrome is a Maltese hereditary issue. According to some, eliminating eggs from their diet can help stop the tremors, but its most often treated with steroids.

Eggs and poultry can also cause allergic reactions. Other common food allergies your dog can have may be triggered by beef, grains, dairy, poultry, or poultry products.

Best for Weight Management

While Maltipoos dont often get obese, its not unheard of, especially when their owner spoils when with treats! If your buddy needs to go on a diet, you can try the following:

9. Purina Pro Plan Adult Weight Management Formula Dry Dog Food

Our rating: 5Top ingredients: Chicken, Rice, Whole Grain CornType: Dry

Purina Pro Plan is focused on helping your dog shed those extra pounds without depriving him of any nutrients or flavor.

Crafted with chicken protein with the added benefits of live probiotics, it should be gentle on your poochs stomach.

Pros:

• Contains live probiotics and natural prebiotic fiber for digestive and immune health
• Optimum protein-to-fat ratio for healthy and sustainable weight loss

Cons:

• Dog owners have complained of the kibble being crumbly and like sawdust

CHECK PRICE HERE

Best for Sensitive Stomach and Skin

Dogs with sensitivities will most likely lick and scratch themselves excessively. Sometimes, you might also notice runny stools.

The first thing you want to do is try a gentle recipe, but you might need to go on a limited-ingredient diet if that doesnt work.

10. Hills Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dog Food

Our rating: 5Top ingredients: Chicken, Brewers Rice, Chicken MealType: Dry

With a rich profile of prebiotic fiber for your poochs digestive health, Hills Science has also taken into consideration the other nutrients that your pooch might need.

Fortified with taurine, various minerals and vitamins, and even biotin, theres nothing more your dog could want.

Pros:

• Supports your dogs digestive health
• Specially formulated for smaller breeds
• Formulated with highly digestible ingredients and high-quality protein

Cons:

• Owners have complained that the kibbles are so small that their pups are swallowing the kibbles instead of chewing

CHECK PRICE HERE

Best Dog Food for Maltipoos Buying Guide

There are many different brands of dog food, all of which will try to market themselves as the best for your pet.

But the truth is, whether you go for grain-free dog food, or a grain-inclusive recipe, or big name brands like Merrick and Blue Buffalo, the best dog food is the one that suits your dog.

Not every dog is going to do amazing on the same diet. Some will react well to venison, while others might need Omega-6 in their diet.

Youll most likely need to try a few different brands before finding one that sticks.

Try to find one thats made from highly nutritious natural ingredients and includes multi-beneficial antioxidants such as flaxseed.

Smaller kibble is not a must, but if your dog is having trouble chowing down, it might be a good idea to switch. Appropriately sized kibbles will go a long way in helping you keep your dogs teeth clean.

Maltipoo nutritional requirement: What to look for in a good Maltipoo food

Maltipoos might look like little teddy bears, but they require the same ratio of protein, fat, and carbs as any other dog breed.

Protein should make up the largest percentage, with at least 22% for growing puppies at 18% for adults, which is the bare minimum for your dogs energy needs.

You also want to choose natural ingredients over chemical additives. Artificial colors and artificial flavors are not something you want to see in your dog food as they are known allergens.

Veggies are a great addition to your dogs diet. While they dont strictly need vegetables to survive, it definitely offers them a wider array of food options.

It provides vitamin E, which can help sustain your dogs muscle tone and metabolism.

Ingredients to avoid when feeding your Maltipoo

Much like when shopping for human food, you want to avoid artificial flavoring, preservatives, sweeteners, or coloring as it has been associated with cancer.

Aside from that, meat by-product meals are also discouraged as its believed that theyre low-quality ingredients meant to buff up a formulas protein content.

More often than not, by-product meals include diseased meats and parts of animals that arent normally consumed, such as beaks.

Is grain-free diet options preferable for Maltipoos?

Dog food featuring grain-free recipes has saturated the market, but if your dog isnt sensitive to grains specifically, theres no reason to abstain from it.

Should you give your Maltipoo dry kibbles, wet food, raw diet, or homemade?

When it comes to small breed dogs, dry kibbles are the best choice simply because smaller breeds tend to have dental problems.

Kibble can help keep their teeth clean. If you have a very picky eater, you can top their food with some wet food.

Fruits and vegetables your Maltipoo can and cannot eat

Dogs need a balance of carbs, fiber, and other goodies that they cant all get from protein. Thats where fruits and vegetables come into play. Heres a list of what your Maltipoo can and cannot enjoy:

Yes	Sometimes	No
Seedless applesBlackberriesBlueberriesBrussel sproutsCantaloupeCarrotsCeleryCranberriesCucumbersGreen beansLettucePitless mangoesPitless nectarinesOrangesPitless peachesPearsPineapplesCooked potatoesStrawberriesSweet potatoes	Bell peppersBroccoliRaspberriesSpinach	AsparagusAvocadoCherriesGrapefruitGrapesLemonsLimesMushroomsOnionsPlumsTomatoes

A homemade recipe you can try for your Maltipoo

Since it can be slightly harder to ensure that every homemade meal is balanced to meet your poochs dietary needs or activity level, sprinkle some kibbles or mix wet dog food prior to feeding.

Heres a simple homemade recipe by Maltipoo owner Shelby:

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs (1.3 kg) carrots
• 1 large sweet potato
• 12 oz (1.5 cups) of green beans
• 1 zucchini
• 3 medium heads of broccoli
• 4 lbs (1.8 kg) protein
• teaspoon turmeric
• Kale/Spinach
• 7 tablespoons of calcium powder
• cup of rice (brown or white)

Directions:

1. Chop up carrots, sweet potatoes, broccoli, zucchini, and green beans
2. In a medium-sized pot, boil carrots and sweet potatoes, simmering on medium heat until soft
3. In a large pot, cook meat over medium heat until medium well
4. Add turmeric, kale/spinach, zucchini, broccoli, and green beans into the large pot of meat
5. Mash carrots and sweet potatoes, mix into the large pot
6. Add calcium and rice, and wait for the rice to cook
7. Once everything is done, allow to cool and serve
8. The extra food can be bagged and kept in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 6 months

Maltipoo Feeding Chart

Your small dog has small caloric requirements. As a rule of thumb, it should look something like this:

• 400 calories for dogs below a year old
• 200 calories for dogs between a year to eight years old
• 150 calories for dogs above eight years old

Judging by weight alone, your pooch will need somewhere between 25 to 30 calories per pound (0.45 kg) per day to sustain them.

Small dogs should be fed 2 to 3 small meals a day to maintain their blood sugar levels.

Puppies can feed freely in the first few months to ensure that they are getting enough to grow. This can also prevent hypoglycemia, which is a fatal condition.

Once your puppy reaches 3 months old, you should give them a more consistent schedule as this can also help regulate how often they need to go potty and make housebreaking much easier.

Transition: How to switch from puppy to adult dog food?

Switching from one food to another, whether from a different brand, life stage, or simply a different flavor should all be done slowly.

An abrupt change may cause an upset stomach in your tiny pooch, and you dont want that. Small dogs can suffer from dehydration rather easily.

Instead, swap out tiny portions of their existing food for their new food and do this over several days. You can take it as slow as you want, but it should never be done in less than seven days.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are Maltipoos picky eaters?

Small breed dogs have a reputation for being picky eaters, but in fact, its because they need very little.

Since their stomachs are so small, they can easily fill up on treats or table scraps, which is what makes them turn their noses up at their kibble.

Try to save treats for special occasions instead of dropping a few here and there. You may also use their kibble as treats so you can be sure they are getting a well-balanced diet.

If you notice your Maltipoo losing weight, its worth a visit to the vet to ensure theres nothing physically wrong with them.

Can Maltipoo eat human food?

Its never advisable for any dog to eat human food. Our dishes are often seasoned with salt and herbs such as onions and garlic, all of which may cause health problems in your Maltipoo.

You also want to prevent your dog from begging, which is what theyll start doing if you keep giving them delicious morsels off your plate.

Do Maltipoos need supplements?

Dogs on a well-balanced diet do not require any supplements whatsoever. Only dogs that need additional support require any form of supplementation.

Best Dog Treats for Maltipoos

Since small dogs usually have problems with keeping their teeth clean, dental chews are one of the best treats that you can give your dogs.

What Makes Dog Food Good for Maltipoos?

At the end of the day, the best dog food for Maltipoos is one that will cater to their needs. An older dog would need something for its joints and heart. Omega oils are also a beneficial additive.

The best dog food doesnt need to be made from the best ingredients. Let us know in the comments what dog food worked for your dog!

Further reading: Best Dog Food for other popular dog breeds

Reference

Cess Gamas( Head of Content Marketing and Editor )

Cess is the Head of Content Writing at K9 Web and a passionate dog care expert with over 5 years of experience in the Pet Industry. With a background in animal science, dog training, and behavior consulting, her hands-on experience and extensive knowledge make her a trusted source for dog owners.

When not writing or leading the K9 Web content team, Cess can be found volunteering at local shelters and participating in dog-related events.