Best Dog Foods For Maltipoo Dogs

Dog Food Nutrition January 31, 2024
Best Dog Foods For Maltipoo Dogs

Best Dog Foods For Maltipoo Dogs

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Best Dog Foods For Maltipoo Dogs

Maltipoos are a designer dog breed, a mix of Maltese and Poodle. They have a small stature, a rounded head, and floppy ears, and their poodle parent is either a toy or miniature.

Compare Best Dog Foods For Maltese Dogs

OVERALL BEST
Merrick Classic Small Breed Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food

1. Merrick Classic Small Breed Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food

BEST AFFORDABLE
Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Toy Breed Formula

2. Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Toy Breed Formula

BEST FOR SENIORS
Eukanuba Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

3. Eukanuba Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

BEST FOR SMALL BREEDS
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dog Food

4. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dog Food

BEST FOR PUPPIES
Nature's Logic Canine Beef Meal Feast Dry Dog Food

5. Nature's Logic Canine Beef Meal Feast Dry Dog Food

Protein
30.0% Min
Protein
30% Min
Protein
28.0% Min
Protein
19.2% (Min)
Protein
34% Min
Fat
15.0% Min
Fat
17% Min
Fat
18.0% Min
Fat
12% (Min)
Fat
15% Min
Fiber
3.5% Max
Fiber
3% Max
Fiber
4.0% Max
Fiber
4% (Max)
Fiber
5% Max
Calories
394 kcal/cup
Calories
487 kcal/cup
Calories
406 kcal/cup
Calories
3688 Kcal/kg or 366 Kcal/cup
Calories
375 kcal/cup

Our Criteria

We try to use the criteria recommended by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association when choosing foods for the Maltipoo and other dogs. We look for foods that meet the following criteria as much as possible:

  • Foods that are AAFCO-approved, preferably with food trials.
  • We prefer companies that do nutritional research.
  • We like dog foods that have been formulated by veterinary nutritionists.
  • Good quality control is essential.
  • Nutrition is more important than marketing. Remember that you won’t be eating the food; your dog will. It’s important to choose a food that is nutritious for your dog, even if the ingredients don’t sound appealing to you.

We also consider the recent warning from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which advised that there could be a link between grain-free dog foods, foods that use exotic ingredients, and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. The FDA continues to investigate at this time. You can read the latest research in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

For these reasons, we aren’t recommending grain-free dog foods at this time. If your dog has food allergies or a health issue that requires a special diet, such as a grain-free diet, work with your veterinarian to find a suitable dog food.

We are recommending the best dog foods for Maltipoo that meet our criteria.

The 5 Best Rated Dog Foods For Maltipoo Dogs 

OVERALL BEST
1.

Merrick Classic Small Breed Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food

Product Info

  • Protein: 30.0% Min
  • Fat: 15.0% Min
  • Fiber: 3.5% Max
  • Calories: 394 kcal/cup
Pros
  • No wheat, fillers or byproducts
  • Good palatability will encourage your dog to eat
  • Omega fatty acids keep your pups skin and coat healthy
Cons
  • This food does contain grains
  • The price can be on the high side
Merrick is great for several reasons. It is 100% all-natural, it has wholesome ingredients like chicken, quinoa, vegetables, and fruits. There are excellent levels of glucosamine and chondroitin and also omega 3 and 6. There is no wheat, corn, fillers, or by-products. This sized nicely for most Maltipoo and it is made in the USA.

This recipe is designed for dogs according to their size, but they have probiotics for keeping the digestive system in balance.

For example, the kibble is easy for your little dog to grip and chew. Promotes healthy skin and coat. Highly-digestible liver-enriched inhibitory protein helps reduce stool odor.

This recipe is formulated for all ages of Maltipoo
BEST AFFORDABLE
2.

Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Toy Breed Formula

Product Info

  • Protein: 30% Min
  • Fat: 17% Min
  • Fiber: 3% Max
  • Calories: 487 kcal/cup
Pros
  • Specially formulated for dogs that weigh less than 10 pounds
  • Contains Vitamin A, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants for your dog’s skin, coat, and immune system
  • Contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
Cons
  • This food only comes in a 5-pound bag at this time
  • This formula has 30 percent protein and 17 percent fat, with 487 kcal per cup; so if your little dog doesn’t get much exercise he could gain weight eating this food
Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Toy Breed Formula is one of our picks for the best dog food for Maltese. This Pro Plan formula has easy-to-digest ingredients that provide plenty of energy for your small dog including chicken as the first ingredient. The kibble is made in tiny bites so it’s easy for your Maltese to grip and chew.

Added Vitamin A and omega fatty acids help your dog’s skin and coat stay healthy and shiny, reducing any itching on sensitive skin. Antioxidants support a healthy immune system.

This formula is ideal for dogs that weigh less than 10 pounds. This recipe contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
BEST FOR SENIORS
3.

Eukanuba Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

Product Info

  • Protein: 28.0% Min
  • Fat: 18.0% Min
  • Fiber: 4.0% Max
  • Calories: 406 kcal/cup
Pros
  • Formulated specifically for small breed dogs
  • Contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
  • Easy to digest with natural fiber and added probiotics
  • 3D DentaDefense system protects your dog’s teeth
Cons
  • This food has 28 percent crude protein and 18 percent crude fat so it is better for an active Maltese
  • This is a maintenance dog food so it’s not suitable for puppies
Made specifically for the faster immune system of small breed dogs, Eukanuba Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food is one of the best dog foods for Maltese.

Eukanuba believes that dogs are best fed as carnivores so their foods contain animal-based proteins. Real chicken is the first ingredient.

This small breed formula includes omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. The food is easy to digest because it contains natural fiber and added probiotics.

The brand’s 3D DentaDefense system helps clean your little dog’s teeth, freshen his breath, and maintain health gums. Guaranteed antioxidant leels help maintain your dog’s immune system.
BEST FOR SMALL BREEDS
4.

Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dog Food

Product Info

  • Protein: 19.2% (Min)
  • Fat: 12% (Min)
  • Fiber: 4% (Max)
  • Calories: 3688 Kcal/kg or 366 Kcal/cup
Pros
  • Fiber for healthy digestion & rich in antioxidants
  • Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids boost immunity
  • Packed with Vitamin E and Vitamin C
Cons
  • Quite expensive for the amount of food packed per packet
  • Feedbacks suggest that picky eaters might disapprove the flavor
Made for adult small breed dogs between the ages of 1 and 6 years of age, Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dog Food is one of the best dog foods for Maltese. It’s made with chicken as the first ingredients. Brown rice adds natural fiber for healthy digestion.

This recipe does not contain any corn, wheat, or soy; and it has no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. The formula includes omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to keep your Maltese’s skin and coat healthy.

This small breed formula contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
BEST FOR PUPPIES
5.

Nature's Logic Canine Beef Meal Feast Dry Dog Food

Product Info

  • Protein: 34% Min
  • Fat: 15% Min
  • Fiber: 5% Max
  • Calories: 375 kcal/cup
Pros
  • Beef meal is the first ingredient in this formula
  • This food is nutrient-dense and meat-based
  • Contains no potatoes, peas, lentils, corn, rice, soy, or chemically-synthesized vitamins, minerals, or trace nutrients
  • Contains no MSG
Cons
  • Although Nature’s Logic reports that this is an All Life Stages formula, we do not recommend this food for puppies or pregnant dogs because of the calcium figures
If you are concerned about DCM and the FDA’s warning but you don’t want to feed your Maltese a food from one of the large companies that have been recommended by veterinary cardiologists, we can suggest Nature’s Logic. At this time this brand is performing well among dogs that have been tested via taurine levels and echocardiograms.

Nature’s Logic Canine Beef Meal Feast Dry Dog Food is a nutrient-dense, meat-based food with concentrates of fruits and vegetables.

The kibble is coated with digestive enzymes and plasma protein with high levels of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. The beef formula contains 34 percent crude protein and beef meal is the first ingredient.

This recipe contains no potatoes, peas, lentils, corn, rice, soy, or chemically-synthesized vitamins, minerals, trace nutrients, carrageenan, guar gum, or xanthum gum.

Nature’s Logic uses millet instead of potatoes or tapioca as a carbohydrate to keep the sugar content low. Nature’s Logic also has chicken, lamb, duck & salmon, turkey, rabbit, venison, and other formulas.

What Kind of Diet Should You Feed Your Maltipoo?

Most Maltipoo should be able to eat a normal diet for dogs. Most dogs need similar nutrients in their diet unless they have a health problem.

Protein

Adult Maltipoo dogs require 18–22% protein daily, while pregnant or nursing dogs and puppies need 22%. Dog foods should have a moderate protein percentage between 22-26%, focusing on meat protein.

Fat

Fat is beneficial for dogs as it enhances food taste, provides energy, and aids in skin, coat, and organ health. Adult dogs need 5% fat, while pregnant, nursing, and puppy dogs need 8%. Most dog foods have high fat levels, so be aware of their fat percentage. Maltipoo dogs should have a moderate fat percentage.

Carbohydrates

Carbs are not harmful to dogs, as they provide energy, fiber, and nutrients. They aid in brain function, gastrointestinal system regulation, and maintaining glucose levels. Complex carbohydrates prevent blood sugar spikes and hunger between meals.

Fiber

Prebiotics and probiotics are crucial for a dog’s gastrointestinal and immune systems, promoting beneficial bacteria growth and colonizing the digestive system, and can be purchased separately or combined.

Probiotics and prebiotics

Prebiotics and probiotics are essential for a dog’s gastrointestinal system and immune system. Prebiotics, like chicory and inulin, promote beneficial bacteria growth. Probiotics, living microorganisms, colonize the digestive system, adding millions of beneficial bacteria. Both can be purchased separately or combined for optimal dog health.

Vitamins and minerals

Kibble is cooked at a very high temperature. Unfortunately, this means that many of the vitamins and minerals in the food’s ingredients are destroyed. Dog food companies typically add vitamins and minerals back into the food after cooking to be sure the food is nutritionally complete.

What to Look For When Choosing the Best Dog Foods for Maltipoo?

When selecting dog foods for Maltipoo, it’s recommended to choose grain-inclusive options with a protein percentage between 22-26%, moderate fat between 12-16%, and fiber between 3-6%. If your dog has a health issue and cannot eat grain-inclusive food, consult your veterinarian for a diagnosis.

Food allergies are not common, so it’s best to avoid trying multiple untolerated foods to avoid inflaming the digestive system.

Special Considerations For Feeding A Maltipoo

The Maltipoo can have some health problems that are related to their diet. Hypoglycemia can occur in very young puppies. It’s especially important to make sure these small puppies have regular feedings so their blood sugar levels won’t dip too low. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) occurs in some dogs.

Like many other small breeds, the Maltipoo can be prone to dental problems such as tartar buildup, gingivitis, and early tooth loss. Tear staining on the face is a common problem in the Maltipoo, which can be affected by diet, among other things.

The Maltipoo can also have a problem called luxating patella which is akin to a slipped kneecap in a human. The severity of the problem varies. Dogs that are overweight are more likely to have a serious problem if they are prone to this condition, so it’s important to watch your dog’s weight.

How Much Should You Feed Your Maltipoo?

You can expect a mature Maltipoo to be about 8–14 inches tall at the shoulder. A Maltipoo usually weighs between 5 and 20 pounds as an adult, though it’s not unusual for some dogs to weigh a little more. Since dog foods vary, it’s best to use calories to determine how much to feed your dog instead of cups. Since there can be a slight variance in the size of the poodle parent, Maltipoos will, therefore, also vary in size.

All puppies are relatively small at birth, but Maltipoo puppies only weigh a few ounces. Your Maltipoo will have most of his growth in the first six months.

  • A three-month-old Maltipoo that weighs 3 pounds would need about 265 calories per day.
  • A six-month-old Maltipoo that weighs about 5 pounds would need about 260 calories per day.
  • At one year, as an adult, your Maltipoo might weigh 7 pounds and need about 300 calories per day.

These are only estimates. Your puppy could weigh slightly more or less. You will need to adjust his calories based not just on his weight but also on his condition. If your puppy looks too thin or too pudgy, you can make small changes in how much food you are feeding him.

Final Thoughts

The Maltipoo, a small, cuddly, and playful pet, requires more calories per pound due to their faster metabolism. Toy breed dog foods are nutrient dense and suitable for their needs, providing good options for pet owners.

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Carlotta Cooper is a long-time contributing editor for the weekly dog show magazine DN Dog News. She's the author of The Dog Adoption Bible, a Dog Writers Association of America (DWAA) award winner. In addition, she is an American Kennel Club Gazette breed columnist and the author of several books about dogs. She has been reviewing pet foods and writing about dog food for more than 10 years.
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