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Best Dog Food for Maltese 2024
Written by Ellie Roddy
Veterinary reviewed by:
Published: 03/22/2024, edited: 03/22/2024
The Wag! team conducts independent research and consults pet experts to curate our recommendations. This content is supported by our affiliate pet partners and we may receive a commission on the links provided.
The Maltese is a toy-sized breed that often weighs less than seven pounds. For this reason, you want to look for food that is suitable for toy or small size breeds. This will mean the food is suitable for their little mouths, making it easier for them to chew, swallow and digest.
Keep an eye on calorie intake as the Maltese is prone to obesity. You should choose food suitable for a moderately active dog and then be aware of how much you’re feeding them.
If they do become overweight, you can choose recipes specifically formulated with low calories to help them maintain a healthy weight. They are also known to have food allergies so you may want to choose limited ingredient food that avoids any allergens.
When choosing their food you, of course, need to take into account factors such as their age and their health.
So, what is the best dog food for Maltese?
Overview
The Farmer’s Dog
The Farmer’s Dog will look almost good enough to eat yourself. Why? Because it’s manufactured in facilities that meet the USDA’s standards for human food.
There are four flavors to choose from including turkey, chicken, beef, and pork. Alongside this are vegetables such as spinach, carrot, broccoli and green beans — it's so fresh you'll actually be able to see the meat and veggies in the food.
Unsurprisingly, there are no artificial flavors or preservatives.
The team will ask for information such as your dog’s age, health and eating habits to curate food that meets their specific nutritional needs.
This is suitable for all ages, making it the best dog food for Maltese puppies as well as adults and seniors.
The Farmer's Dog Fresh Food
Why Wag! Loves It
- Human-grade ingredients and vet-developed recipes
- Personalized meals to meet your pups needs
- Delivered straight to your door
Considerations & Concerns
- It’s quite expensive and you do need to sign up to a subscription
- You can only buy it through The Farmer’s Dog website
- The recipes are grain-free which isn’t the best option for all dogs
What pet parents say about The Farmer’s Dog
“We have been on a monthly prescription for both of our dogs (Maltese and Chihuahua) for over a year now. We get the chicken and turkey recipes. The whole process works great from meal selections to deliveries to changes, etc.
Customer service has always been great anytime I've needed extra help. I can always count on emails in advance of shipments leaving me time to make adjustments as needed. Dogs enjoy the food (we don't feed anything else) as well. Took a little time for us to get a system set up for storing, thawing and feeding but now we have it down pat! Highly recommend!”
“I've been so happy with both the quality of the food and the customer service. I adopted Billie, my 2 year old Maltese mix rescue, in October. We slowly brought her into the Farmer's Dog diet.
We tried chicken at first but found she was allergic. Now she's on the beef and is quite content. I'm also extremely happy with the customer service. If ever I need help with any issue, there are always people to help and follow through. Bravo Farmer's Dog!”
Read more reviews on Trustpilot.
Image sourced from The Farmer's Dog website. Coyright The Farmer's Dog.
JustFoodForDogs
JustFoodForDogs offers a wide variety of flavors and product types, so you’re sure to find one your Maltese loves. This is a home-cooked meal without having to do any of the cooking yourself.
The range includes Fresh Frozen, which has ingredients that are frozen straight after cooking to retain all the nutrients.
They feature high-quality protein such as venison, lamb and beef alongside fruits and vegetables.
You can speak to the company about the ingredients and diet that best fit your Maltese’s needs. This can include reviewing your pets medical records.
A custom diet will then be prepared to suit their needs and be delivered straight to your door.
JustFoodForDogs Fresh Food
Why Wag! Loves It
- Gently cooked, human-grade food
- They offer free consultation with a Nutrition Consultant
- Unlike most fresh food brands that require a subscription, you can get a one-time purchase
Considerations & Concerns
- It has been recalled once in 2018
- It’s expensive but not compared to other fresh food brands
- It will need to be put in the refrigerator or freezer
What pet parents say about JustFoodForDogs
“I have two dogs I rescued in the past year, they were both puppies from different places. One is River is a Pit Mix and Zoey is a Shepard mix. They both had tons (of) digestive problems with any food I tried. I decided to research options since nothing at the stores (were) working for them.
Zoey was very underweight when we adopted her. After several months of using Just Right Pet Food, they both no longer have digestive issues and they are gaining the proper weight and have healthy coats!”
“I have a very picky Rhodesian Ridgeback that would barely eat anything. I tried so many different brands, and she didn't like any of them. When I first switched to Just Right, she didn't want to eat either, but after a few days adjusting, I saw she ate her whole bowl and wanted more!
Now she loves her food, and people compliment how nice she looks and how shiny her coat is. 10/10 recommended, and if your dog doesn't like it at first, add some water and give it a few days!”
Read more reviews on Trustpilot.
Image sourced from Chewy. Copyright JustFoodForDogs.
Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed Grain-Free
Vet recommended
Taste of the Wild is among the best dog food for the Maltese breed. The protein sources are based on their natural diet and, as the name would suggest, what they would eat in the wild.
This small breed recipe is made with pasture-raised venison and is high in protein to support muscles, bones and joints.
This is a grain-free recipe that includes vitamins and minerals alongside omega fatty acids.
Plus, it includes antioxidants and prebiotics for healthy digestion and immune system health.
The small size kibble is ideal for your Maltese’s little teeth when chewing and tummy when digesting it.
We’re not the only ones who rate this food, it’s approved by vets.
Dr. Georgia Jeremiah, pet nutrition expert and one of Wag!’s veterinary consultants says:
“Taste of the Wild offers both wet and dry dog and cat foods for all life stages incorporating species-specific probiotics, antioxidants from ancient grains, fruits and seeds, and omega fatty acids.”
Taste of the Wild Dog Food
Why Wag! Loves It
- Real meat is the first ingredient
- Contains K9 Strain Proprietary Probiotics to support digestive health
- Recommended by Dr. Georgia Jeremiah, Wag!'s pet nutrition expert and veterinary consultant
Considerations & Concerns
- The second ingredient is meat meal
- This is grain-free which won’t be suitable for all dogs
- Only one flavor available for small breeds
What pet parents say about Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed
“My dog Bella has a very sensitive stomach and a lot of the pet food available gives her tummy aches, diarrhea, etc. I had been feeding her a leading brand of food that I thought had to be high quality because it was very expensive. But it bothered her tummy. I was researching a new food to give her and found Taste of the Wild (TotW).
I was skeptical because I didn't think a food could have quality ingredients at such a good price! I decided to give it a shot and I'm so happy I did! Not only are her tummy issues resolved, but she's like a whole new dog. She went from being lethargic and lazy, to spunky and full of life! TotW includes everything you want in a dog food formula, and excludes everything you don't.”
“My dog Remington loves his (Taste of the Wild) food and I love it too. I can see a huge improvement in Remington's coat and he has completely stopped itching at his skin. We are both huge fans!!”
Read more reviews on Petco.
Image sourced from Chewy. Copyright SCHELL & KAMPETER, INC.
Diamond Naturals Small Breed Adult
Diamond Naturals is the premium brand in the Diamond range. Among the options of dry food is the small breed adult which has a smaller kibble size for little mouths.
There are two flavors to choose from: chicken and rice and lamb and rice.
Alongside real meat are real fruits and vegetables including carrot, spinach and papaya. This provides natural antioxidants as well as vitamins and minerals plus there’s superfoods such as kale, blueberries and chia seeds.
If your Maltese is still a youngster then there’s also a formula for small and medium puppies. This is chicken and rice. It includes DHA for brain and vision development alongside K9 strain proprietary probiotics.
Diamond Naturals Dog Food
Why Wag! Loves It
- Real meat is the first ingredient
- Specifically formulated for small breed dogs
- A premium range at an affordable price
Considerations & Concerns
- Diamond Naturals was recalled back in 2012
- There are only two flavors to choose from for small breed adults
What pet parents say about Diamond Naturals Small Breed Adult
“Diamond Naturals hasn't failed me yet! Both of my little ones do great on it and eat it willingly as they're rather picky! It's extremely tiny for small mouths, something rare even in foods labeled for small breeds! Has great ingredients and doesn't disappoint.”
“Our 12 lb maltipoo LOVES this food. Tiny kibble that she just devours. Never used to eat her food when we put it out, since switching to this, she gobbles it up the second it hits her bowl. It’s also a lot cheaper than other kinds we’ve gotten in the past.”
Image sourced from the Chewy website. Copyright SCHELL & KAMPETER, INC.
FAQ
Should Maltese only eat food specifically formulated for toy breeds?
What do I need to take into consideration when choosing food for a Maltese?
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