The Maltese dog has a gleaming, flowing white coat and a charmingly playful personality. Though small, these dogs require a diet tailored to their needs, as proper nutrition is critical to maintaining their health and vitality. American Natural Premium — the best dog food for Maltese dogs — understands the dietary demands of toy breeds and offers recipes that cater to their needs.
An Overview of Maltese Dogs
The petite Maltese — revered as the “Ancient Dogge of Malta” — has been cherished as a luxurious companion long before modern history. The breed is synonymous with playfulness, charm, and adaptability. Beyond their regal appearance, these tiny canines are vigilant, brave little guard dogs as well as nimble contenders in agility sports.
Dietary Needs of Maltese Puppies
A Maltese puppy’s sustenance is pivotal to its immediate well-being and prolonged health prospects. Here’s a guide to choosing and providing the best dog food for Maltese puppies:
- Protein, Fat, and Fiber Requirements: The diet of a Maltese puppy should have a protein content ranging from 22% to 32%, fat making up 10% to 25%, and a fiber percentage close to 6%.
- Feeding Portions: Appropriate daily food intake ranges from a quarter to three-quarters of a cup, with caloric content from 88 to 400 kcal.
- Feeding Schedule: Maltese puppies benefit from a feeding regimen that includes multiple small meals throughout the day, evenly spaced in the morning, midday, evening, and before bedtime.
- Nutritional Supplements for Growth: If you provide your Maltese with a commercially available diet that fulfills their dietary needs, there’s no need to add supplements.
Dietary Mistakes To Avoid
Here are some dietary mistakes to avoid to keep your Maltese puppy healthy:
- Overfeeding or underfeeding
- Feeding puppies with food that’s safe for human consumption but toxic to dogs
- Feeding low-quality dog foods
- Quick transition to a new diet
- Ignoring access to clean water
Transitioning to an Adult Maltese Diet
When your Maltese puppy reaches approximately 10 to 12 months, transitioning from puppy-specific formulas to adult dog food becomes crucial. As puppies approach adulthood, their nutritional needs change, and puppy food is no longer suitable.
Choosing the Best Dog Food for Maltese Dogs
Choose a high-quality, small-breed dog food that helps you meet the following:
- Protein, Carbohydrates, Fat, and Fiber Requirements: Adult Maltese dogs require a balanced diet comprising approximately 22% protein, adequate carbohydrates, 10% fat, and sufficient fiber.
- Feeding Portions: An adult Maltese should get approximately 0.7 cups of high-quality dog food daily, providing between 180 and 360 kilocalories of nutritional content.
- Feeding Schedule: Offer meals twice daily, ideally 12 hours apart.
Generally, the dietary composition for Maltese dogs should include a balance of macro and micronutrients and essential vitamins for a robust and healthy life. American Natural Premium is the best dog food for Maltese dogs because of its ingredient quality and nutritional content.
Monitoring Weight and Adjusting Portions
While the appetite of Maltese dogs may be hearty, allowing them to overindulge can lead to obesity. You can safeguard your Maltese’s health by having a structured feeding regimen and training your dog to eat appropriately sized portions at regular intervals.
Special Considerations for Toy Dogs, Show Dogs, and Senior Maltese Dogs
Maltese dogs belong to the toy breed category, meaning they’re intelligent, full of energy, and have a strong protective instinct. Some Maltese dogs also join dog shows, which require extra attention to their physical appearance and health. As such, owners of toy and show dogs should be attentive to their dog’s dietary needs and tailor their meals accordingly.
Additionally, as Maltese dogs age, their activity levels decrease, and they may require a modified diet to maintain a healthy weight.
- Protein, Fat, and Fiber Requirements: During the senior years, your pet’s diet must include 20% protein to maintain muscle mass, 5.3% fat for energy and healthy skin, and an adequate amount of fiber to support digestive health.
- Feeding Portions: A measured portion of approximately 0.7 cups of food per day — between 240 and 408 kcal — meets a senior dog’s nutritional requirements.
- Feeding Schedule: Adhere to a twice-daily feeding schedule, offering meals once in the morning and once in the evening. Adjust this routine based on the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified pet nutritionist.
- Nutritional Supplements: Alleviating health challenges involves enhancing your senior dog’s diet with essential vitamins and minerals for their immune system and delicate bones.
Special Considerations for Maltese Dogs With Health Conditions
Maltese dogs are prone to various health problems, including food allergies, skin problems, and even hip dysplasia. For allergies, it’s crucial to consult your veterinarian to identify the allergen and avoid it. For skin problems, choose food that is high in fatty acids and omega-3s to promote healthy skin and coat. Proper nutrition can help manage symptoms and improve overall joint health for Maltese dogs with hip dysplasia.
American Natural Premium helps Maltese dog owners address these health issues. Our recipes use only real natural ingredients, eliminating artificial additives or fillers that can aggravate health problems. Every cup also contains all the essential nutrients your dog needs, helping you maintain a balanced and nutritious diet for your furry friend.
Homemade vs Commercial Dog Food
Regarding dog food, there are two main options: homemade or commercial. While homemade dog food may seem like a healthier and more natural option, it’s essential to understand that dogs have different dietary needs than humans. On the other hand, commercial dog food is designed with these nutritional requirements in mind, providing a convenient and reliable solution for pet owners.
You can combine homemade and commercial dog food to provide your Maltese dog with a more varied diet, as long as you ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients. American Natural Premium offers a variety of flavors and recipes, making it easy to switch things up and keep your dog’s meals interesting.
Contact Us Today
When choosing the best dog food for Maltese dogs, American Natural Premium offers many benefits. The natural ingredients and essential nutrients make the brand ideal for addressing health issues and maintaining a balanced diet. Contact us today for bulk orders.
