Best Dog Food for Maltese of 2025

Janie Foster Avatar
Janie Foster
Last Updated: Jan 7, 2025

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For Maltese dogs, it's important to choose a high-quality dog food that meets their unique nutritional needs. Look for brands that offer small kibble sizes, as Maltese dogs have small mouths and teeth. Additionally, select dog foods that are high in protein, as this will help support their active lifestyle. Some brands may also offer specialized formulas that cater to the Maltese breed's specific health concerns, such as dental issues or sensitive stomachs. It's always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian to determine the best dog food for your Maltese.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Hill's Science Diet Small Paws Adult Dry Dog Food Cover #TOP 1
Hill's Science Diet Small Paws Adult Dry Dog Food
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Small Bites for Senior Dogs, 5 lb Bag Cover #TOP 2
Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Small Bites for Senior Dogs, 5 lb Bag
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Royal Canin Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food Cover #TOP 3
Royal Canin Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 6 Dog Food for Maltese

#TOP 1

Hill's Science Diet Small Paws Adult Dry Dog Food

Hill's
9096
White
Hill's Science Diet Small Paws Adult Dry Dog Food Cover
Hill's Science Diet Small & Mini, Adult 1-6, Small & Mini Breeds Premium Nutrition, Dry Dog Food, Chicken & Brown Rice, 4.5 lb Bag

Give your small or toy breed dog the precise nutrition they need with Hill's Science Diet Small Paws Adult Dry Dog Food. Made with highly digestible ingredients, this dog food is easy on your little dog's stomach. It contains nourishing omega 6 fatty acids and vitamin E to promote healthy skin and a shiny coat. With high-quality protein, it helps maintain lean muscle in small breed dogs. The proprietary antioxidant blend supports lifelong immune health, and the small kibble is perfectly suited for a little canine mouth. Made in the USA with natural ingredients, this dog food is veterinarian recommended.

What We Like
Easy to digest ingredients
Supports healthy skin and shiny coat
Maintains lean muscle in small breed dogs
Contains antioxidant blend for lifelong immune support
Made with natural ingredients

Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Small Bites for Senior Dogs, 5 lb Bag

Hill's
8159
Multicolor
5 Pound (Pack of 1)
Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Small Bites for Senior Dogs, 5 lb Bag Cover
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+, Senior Adult 7+ Premium Nutrition, Small Kibble, Dry Dog Food, Chicken, Brown Rice, & Barley, 5 lb Bag

As dogs age, their nutritional needs change. Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Small Bites dry dog food is formulated for the specific aging needs of small dogs age seven and older. The chicken flavor is packed into tiny kibble for dogs that prefer variety. The easily digestible ingredients support mature dogs' energy levels, a healthy immune system, and heart and kidney health. The premium dog food provides omega-6 fatty acids & Vitamin E for healthy skin and a shiny coat. Made in the USA with global ingredients you can trust and made with natural ingredients, this dry dog food is an excellent choice for senior dogs.

What We Like
Formulated for the specific aging needs of small dogs age seven and older
Easily digestible ingredients support mature dogs' energy levels, a healthy immune system, and heart and kidney health
Provides omega-6 fatty acids & Vitamin E for healthy skin and a shiny coat
Made in the USA with global ingredients you can trust
Made with natural ingredients
#TOP 3

Royal Canin Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

512514
Royal Canin Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food Cover
Royal Canin Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food, 14 lb bag

Royal Canin Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food is a perfect option for small dogs weighing 9 - 22 pounds aged between 10 months and 8 years. The dog food is enriched with L-carnitine, which helps maintain a healthy weight and meet the high energy needs of small dogs. It also contains optimal levels of fatty acids like EPA and DHA, which support skin and coat health. The exclusive kibble design is adapted for miniature jaws, making it easy for small dogs to eat. Enhanced palatability satisfies the fussy appetites of small dogs, and it is formulated to meet the unique nutritional needs of small dog breeds.

What We Like
Precise nutrition for small dogs
Helps maintain healthy weight and energy levels
Supports skin and coat health
Exclusive kibble design adapted for miniature jaws
Enhanced palatability satisfies fussy appetites
#TOP 4

Royal Canin X-Small Puppy Dry Dog Food

512103
3 Pound (Pack of 1)
Royal Canin X-Small Puppy Dry Dog Food Cover
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition X-Small Breed Dry Puppy Food, Supports Brain Development, Immune Support and Digestive Health, 3 lb Bag

Royal Canin X-Small Puppy Dry Dog Food is specially formulated for extra-small breed puppies up to 10 months old with an expected adult weight of no more than 8 lb. It meets the high energy needs of extra-small puppies with key nutrients needed during their short, intense growth period. The exclusive blend of antioxidants and vitamins provides immune support. The specialized extra-small kibble designed for miniature and toy dogs with tiny jaws and picky appetites. The specifically tailored blend of fibers promotes optimal stool quality.

What We Like
Specially formulated for extra-small breed puppies
Meets high energy needs during short, intense growth period
Exclusive blend of antioxidants and vitamins for immune support
Specialized kibble for miniature and toy dogs with tiny jaws and picky appetites
Specifically tailored blend of fibers promotes optimal stool quality
#TOP 5

Royal Canin Small Indoor Puppy Dry Dog Food

527003
Royal Canin Small Indoor Puppy Dry Dog Food Cover
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Indoor Puppy Dry Dog Food, 2.5 lb bag

Royal Canin Small Indoor Puppy Dry Dog Food is a tailor-made dry food for indoor small breed puppies up to 10 months old with an expected adult weight of up to 22 lb. It has an exclusive blend of antioxidants and vitamins to support their developing immune system. The highly digestible proteins and prebiotics help promote optimal stool quality, while the nutrients enriched with EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids promote healthy skin and a shiny coat. Additionally, it has specialized kibble designed for miniature jaws and picky appetites.

What We Like
Supports the developing immune system
Promotes optimal stool quality and reduces odors
Promotes healthy skin and a shiny coat
Designed for miniature jaws and picky appetites
#TOP 6

Royal Canin Maltese Adult Dog Food

511903
Royal Canin Maltese Adult Dog Food Cover
Royal Canin Maltese Adult Dry Dog Food, 2.5 lb bag

Royal Canin Maltese Food is specially crafted for purebred Maltese dogs aged 10 months and older. Its unique kibble shape makes it easy for small dogs to pick up and chew, promoting a hassle-free feeding experience. The formula supports coat health with biotin and omega fatty acids, helping your dog maintain a silky, beautiful coat. Additionally, the highly digestible proteins ensure that your pet has optimal stool quality, reducing both the amount and odor of waste. This adult dog food is also highly palatable, making it a great choice for picky eaters.

What We Like
Designed for purebred Maltese
Easy-to-chew kibble
Supports coat health
Reduces stool odor
Appealing flavors
Buying Guide Image

A Guide to Selecting the Best Dog Food for Maltese for Your Pets

Introduction

If you're the proud owner of a Maltese dog, you know just how special these little balls of fluff can be. As a toy breed, Maltese dogs are known for their playful and affectionate personalities, and they make great companions for people of all ages. But with any pet, it's important to make sure they're getting the proper nutrition to keep them healthy and happy. Choosing the right dog food for your Maltese can be a daunting task, but with a little bit of research, you can find the perfect food to keep your furry friend feeling their best.

Nutritional Needs of Maltese Dogs

Like all dogs, Maltese have some specific nutritional needs that should be taken into account when choosing their food. As a small breed, Maltese have a high metabolism and need a diet that is rich in protein to help them maintain their energy levels. They also have a tendency to gain weight easily, so it's important to choose a food that is low in calories and fat to help them maintain a healthy weight.

Choosing a High-Quality Dog Food

When it comes to choosing a high-quality dog food for your Maltese, there are a few things to look for. First, check the ingredient list to make sure the food is made with high-quality protein sources, such as chicken or fish. Avoid foods that use filler ingredients, such as corn or wheat, as these can be difficult for your dog to digest and provide little nutritional value. It's also a good idea to choose a food that is specifically formulated for small breeds, as these will have the right balance of nutrients for your Maltese.

Wet vs. Dry Dog Food

One of the biggest decisions you'll have to make when choosing a dog food for your Maltese is whether to go with wet or dry food. Wet food, also known as canned food, is typically higher in protein and moisture, which can be beneficial for dogs that have a tendency to gain weight or have dental issues. Dry food, on the other hand, is more convenient and typically less expensive, making it a good choice for many pet owners. Whichever type of food you choose, make sure it is of high quality and appropriate for your Maltese's age and weight.

Supplementation

In some cases, your Maltese may require additional supplementation to their diet to ensure they are getting all the nutrients they need. For example, if your dog has food allergies or sensitivities, you may need to choose a hypoallergenic food or add supplements to their diet to provide the nutrients they may be missing. It's always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your Maltese's diet to ensure they are getting the nutrition they need.

Conclusion

Choosing the right dog food for your Maltese is an important decision that can have a big impact on their health and happiness. By doing your research and choosing a high-quality food that is specifically formulated for small breeds, you can help ensure your Maltese gets the nutrition they need to thrive. Remember to consult with your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your Maltese's diet, and enjoy watching your furry friend thrive on their new, nutritious food.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What foods are Maltese allergic to?

In many cases, a Maltese who suffers from an environmental allergy may be prone to developing a food allergy as well. In most cases of food intolerance, an animal protein is to blame; usually, chicken or beef are primary causes, although some Maltese may be allergic to eggs, milk, corn, or soy.

2. How often should you feed a Maltese dog?

Adults - Small dogs need to eat more frequently than their larger counterparts, so most adult Maltese will never do well with just one meal a day. Adult Maltese can continue eating 3 small meals per day or transition to two.

Editor's Notes

During our dog food for maltese research, we found 27 dog food for maltese products and shortlisted 6 quality products. We collected and analyzed 321,548 customer reviews through our big data system to write the dog food for maltese list. We found that most customers choose dog food for maltese with an average price of $21.26.

The dog food for maltese are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of dog food for maltese, including Hill's, Royal Canin. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Janie Foster Avatar

Janie Foster is a writer & pet blogger from Los Angeles, she enjoys living with her two cats and three dogs. She owned her first dog 10 years ago and then started her personal blog to record her dog's daily life. Throughout her personal life, she has developed specialized knowledge in pet care, pet nutrition, feeding habits, and more.