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Maltese
Dog nutrition

Maltese

Small · 3-4 kg

Profile

Daily amount

Puppy

105–180 g

4 meals per day

Adult

66–112 g

3 meals per day

Senior

54–96 g

3 meals per day

Estimated monthly cost

Low cost

15/mes

Balanced

25/mes

Premium

43/mes

Estimate for Spain, healthy adult dog. Varies by region and provider.

Recommended food

Super-premium kibble with high meat content (≥40%), grain-free or whole grain. Reference brands: Orijen, Acana, Taste of the Wild, Eukanuba.

Budget alternative

On a tight budget, Advance, Purina Pro Plan or Nutro Wholesome offer mid-high quality at reasonable prices. Avoid brands with grains as first ingredient.

Nutrition

A Maltese weighs only 3-4 kg, so every calorie counts. They should eat high-quality small-breed kibble, approximately 50-75 grams per day, divided into two meals. Because they are prone to dental issues, dry kibble is generally better than wet food to help scrape away plaque. Be very careful with treats; one "human cookie" for a Maltese is like a whole cake for a human. Obesity puts dangerous pressure on their tiny joints and can worsen luxating patellas. Always ensure they have access to fresh water as they can be prone to kidney stones.

Forbidden foods

  • Chocolate
  • Grapes and raisins
  • Onion and garlic
  • Avocado
  • Xylitol
  • Cooked bones
  • Alcohol
  • Caffeine

Healthy treats

Raw carrot, seedless apple, banana, blueberries, cooked pumpkin and pieces of boiled unsalted chicken. Keep treats under 10% of daily intake.