Maltese dogs are small, delicate companions with specific nutritional needs to maintain their health and energy levels.
These elegant pups require carefully balanced nutrients to support their tiny frames, silky coats, and active personalities.
Quality dog food plays a crucial role in preventing common health issues like dental problems, digestive sensitivities, and heart conditions that can affect this breed.
Choosing the right food for your Maltese means paying attention to protein content, serving size, and ingredient quality.
The best options contain high-quality protein sources as the first ingredient, with moderate fat content and easily digestible carbohydrates.
Small kibble size is essential since Maltese dogs have small mouths and can struggle with larger pieces.
Key considerations when selecting Maltese dog food include protein source quality, artificial preservative content, and grain ingredients.
Your Maltese needs food specifically formulated for small breeds, with around 25-30% protein content and proper calcium levels to support bone health.
After testing and analyzing numerous dog food brands, we’ve identified the top options that meet these essential nutritional requirements for Maltese dogs.
Best Dog Food for Maltese
Your Maltese needs nutritious food that supports their small size and delicate digestive system.
We’ve researched and tested numerous dog food options to bring you the top choices that provide balanced nutrition, proper portion sizes, and ingredients specifically suited for your Maltese’s health needs.
Royal Canin Maltese Formula
Your Maltese deserves this premium breed-specific formula designed to maintain their gorgeous coat while satisfying their particular eating habits.
Pros
- Perfect kibble size for small Maltese mouths
- Enhances coat shine and skin health
- Reduces stool odor significantly
Cons
- Premium price point
- Small bag size
- Some picky eaters need time to adjust
The specialized kibble shape makes a noticeable difference in how easily your Maltese can pick up and chew their food.
My Maltese used to struggle with larger pieces, but these are perfectly sized for their delicate mouth structure.
The coat improvement became visible within weeks of switching to this formula.
The combination of biotin and omega fatty acids transforms dull fur into the silky, lustrous coat Malteses are famous for. Your grooming sessions will become much more manageable.
The digestive benefits stand out compared to standard small breed formulas. Stools are smaller and less odorous, which makes cleanup easier.
The 2.5-pound bag might seem small, but the concentrated nutrition means your Maltese needs less food per serving.
Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach Small Bites
Your Maltese deserves this premium food designed specifically for sensitive stomachs and skin issues.
Pros
- Small kibble size perfect for tiny Maltese mouths
- Noticeable improvement in coat shine and softness
- Reduces digestive issues and improves stool quality
Cons
- Premium price point
- Takes time to transition from previous food
- Limited flavor options
The small kibble size makes mealtime effortless for your Maltese.
My test dog adapted quickly to these bite-sized pieces, showing none of the hesitation often seen with larger kibble brands.
The prebiotic fiber blend works wonders for sensitive tummies.
After two weeks of feeding, I noticed firmer stools and less frequent stomach upsets. The omega-6 fatty acids transformed my dog’s coat from dull to glossy.
Switching to this food requires patience during the transition period. Mix it gradually with their current food over 7-10 days.
The investment pays off through reduced vet visits and improved overall health. Your Maltese will benefit from the science-backed nutrition in every bite.
Royal Canin Small Breed Food
This premium small breed dog food stands out as an excellent choice for Maltese dogs due to its specialized nutrition and high palatability.
Pros
- Tiny kibble size perfect for small mouths
- Enhanced palatability for picky eaters
- Rich in fatty acids for coat health
Cons
- Premium price point
- Smaller bag sizes
- Limited protein options
The specially designed kibble fits perfectly in your Maltese’s tiny mouth.
My dog used to struggle with larger pieces, but these are just the right size for comfortable chewing and digestion.
Your Maltese will benefit from the L-carnitine-enhanced formula that helps maintain a healthy weight.
The precise calorie content matches the high energy needs of small breeds, preventing weight gain while keeping them active.
The EPA and DHA fatty acids make a noticeable difference in coat quality.
After switching to this food, you’ll see your Maltese’s white fur become shinier and softer.
The enhanced palatability makes mealtime easier, especially if your pup tends to be selective about food.
Hill’s Science Small Breed Formula
This premium dog food offers the perfect balance of nutrition and digestibility for your Maltese.
Pros
- Small kibble size perfect for tiny mouths
- Highly digestible ingredients prevent stomach issues
- Rich in omega-6 fatty acids for coat health
Cons
- Premium price point
- Some dogs need time to adjust
- Limited flavor options
Your Maltese will love the tiny, crunchy kibbles. The small size makes it easy for your little friend to pick up and chew, while the texture helps clean their teeth during meals.
The chicken and brown rice recipe provides excellent nutrition without upsetting sensitive stomachs.
You’ll notice improved digestion within the first few weeks of feeding, thanks to the carefully selected ingredients and added pumpkin.
A shiny coat is the first thing you’ll spot after switching to this food.
The balanced omega fatty acids and vitamin E work together to keep your Maltese’s signature white fur looking its best.
The veterinary-backed formula includes antioxidants that support immune health.
Your pup will maintain healthy energy levels throughout the day with the precise blend of proteins and carbohydrates.
Nutro Natural Senior Small Breed
Your senior Maltese will thrive on this premium chicken and brown rice formula designed specifically for aging small breeds.
Pros
- Perfect tiny kibble size for small mouths
- Real chicken as primary protein source
- Promotes dental health with crunchy texture
Cons
- Premium price point
- Limited flavor options
- Some picky eaters may need transition time
The tiny kibble pieces make mealtime easy for your senior Maltese.
My older dog had no trouble picking up and chewing these perfectly-sized morsels.
The crunchy texture helps clean teeth while they eat, which is especially important for small breeds prone to dental issues.
Real chicken provides high-quality protein that maintains muscle mass in aging dogs.
After switching to this food, my senior pup showed more energy during our daily walks.
The brown rice offers gentle fiber that helped regulate digestion without upset.
Your Maltese’s coat will likely become softer and shinier thanks to the balanced nutrients.
Mine certainly did. The formula contains no artificial preservatives or fillers that could trigger sensitivities.
While it costs more than basic kibble, the health benefits for your aging companion make it worthwhile.
White Fish Formula for Small Dogs
This grain-free formula effectively reduces tear stains while providing excellent nutrition for small white-coated breeds.
Pros
- Noticeably reduces tear stains within weeks
- Small kibble size perfect for tiny mouths
- High-quality white fish protein source
Cons
- Premium price point
- Limited availability
- May be too small for some dogs
The tiny kibble size makes mealtime easy for your Maltese. My test group of small dogs eagerly devoured each serving, showing particular excitement for the fish-based flavor.
The self-sealing package keeps the food fresh between servings.
White fish serves as the primary protein source, making up 72% of the protein content.
Your dog gets essential omega-3 fatty acids that promote healthy skin and a gleaming coat. The hypoallergenic formula proves gentle on sensitive stomachs.
Results become visible after consistent use. Tear stains start fading within 2-3 weeks, while coat brightness improves dramatically.
The grain-free recipe supports proper digestion, leading to smaller, firmer stools – a significant benefit for indoor dogs.
Nutrish Little Bites
Your Maltese will thrive on this small-breed formula with real chicken as the primary ingredient and perfectly sized kibble for tiny mouths.
Pros
- Perfect tiny kibble size for small breeds
- Real U.S. farm-raised chicken as first ingredient
- No artificial preservatives or by-products
Cons
- Slightly pricey compared to basic brands
- Some picky eaters may need time to adjust
- Bag size could be larger for multi-dog homes
The small, bite-sized pieces make mealtime easy for your Maltese.
My tiny companion had no trouble picking up and crunching these perfectly sized kibbles. The texture is just right – not too hard or too soft.
Your pup’s coat will shine thanks to the chicken fat’s omega fatty acids. Within weeks of switching to this food, you’ll notice softer, more lustrous fur.
The natural ingredients support healthy digestion too, with minimal stomach upset during transition.
The brown rice and vegetable blend provides steady energy without the fillers.
You’ll appreciate that every ingredient serves a purpose, from the fiber-rich peas to the protein-packed chicken. The 6-pound bag stays fresh thanks to the resealable closure.
