5 Best Puppy Foods for Maltese (Reviews Updated 2022)

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A Maltese puppy is hands down one of the cutest creatures on the planet.  So cute, in fact, that this breed has thrived as a favorite house pet for thousands of years, dating back to ancient Greek and Roman times.  This popular pup knows what he likes and deserves a puppy food that will set him up for a healthy life and honor his proud history.  A high-quality food designed for puppy toy breeds will meet your Maltese’ unique growth and energy needs, while offering a delicious recipe he will look forward to every (tiny) meal.

Best Puppy Food for Maltese

Here are our best puppy food for Maltese reviews.

1. Wellness Natural Small Breed Puppy Food

Wellness Natural Pet Food 89116 Complete Health Natural Dry Small Breed Puppy Food, Turkey, Salmon &

Wellness Natural Small Breed Puppy Food is a premium recipe designed with tiny kibble for your pup’s little jaws.  High-quality protein comes from deboned turkey and salmon, with select fats and easily digestible carbohydrates to support growth and energy.

  • Supports brain development with DHA
  • No meat by-product fillers
  • Flaxseed for your Maltese’ luxurious coat

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2. Nulo Small Breed Puppy & Dog Food

Nulo Small Breed Grain Free Dry Dog Food With Bc30 Probiotic, Salmon & Red Lentils Recipe 4.5 Or 11 Lb Bag

Nulo Small Breed Dog Food is specially designed for small and toy breed puppies and dogs like Maltese.  Your pup will love this grain-free salmon and red lentil recipe, containing premium probiotics for excellent digestive and immune health.

  • 84% of protein from animal sources
  • Lentils, sweet potatoes and chickpeas
  • No corn, wheat, soy, tapioca or white potatoes

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3. Solid Gold Mighty Mini Holistic Dog Food

Solid Gold Mighty Mini Sensitive Stomach Probiotic Support Grain Free Natural Holistic Dog F

This Solid Gold Mighty Mini recipe has one of the smallest kibbles on the market and is designed for active toy breed dogs and puppies.  This high-protein recipe has real chicken as the first ingredient for a nutritious, tasty meal your Maltese will love.

  • Probiotic support for developing digestive systems
  • Chickpea and pumpkin for excellent source of fiber
  • Also available in beef, lamb, salmon and turkey

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4. Royal Canin X-Small Puppy Dog Food

Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Mini Puppy Dry Dog Food

Royal Canin X-Small Puppy Dry Dog Food is designed for toy breed puppies with an adult weight up to eight pounds.  This recipe will support your Maltese’ developing immune system with its blend of antioxidants and minerals.

  • Designed for small puppies up to 10 months old
  • Highly digestible protein and prebiotics
  • Tiny kibble designed for small jaws

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5. Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Recipe

Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Puppy, Small Paws For Small Breeds, Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown R

Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Recipe is a dry food designed for small and mini-puppies like Maltese with a special kibble for their small jaws.  DHA is added from fish oil for healthy brain and eye development.

  • High quality protein for lean muscle development
  • Enriched with minerals for healthy bones and teeth
  • Chicken and barley recipe for great flavor

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Puppy Food for Maltese Buyer’s Guide

Feeding your Maltese puppy a healthy diet is a very important job as his pet parent.  The biggest danger of an unhealthy diet for your puppy is obesity.  Your Maltese’ tiny frame cannot support a lot of extra weight, so choose a puppy food designed for small or toy breeds to ensure he gets everything he needs for healthy growth, with no added fillers or by-product meals.  His tiny tummy will get full quickly, so each bite has to be packed with lean protein, essential vitamins and minerals, and several other important nutrients required for optimal growth and development.

Our buying guide reviews the best puppy food for Maltese on the market so you can choose the right one for your dog.  The following are specific considerations you should make for your Maltese and when choosing the right food for your growing puppy.

Size and Build

Puppy food for your Maltese should be very small.  Look for a kibble that is an appropriate size and shape so he can easily pick it up.  Puppy kibble for your Maltese should be slightly softer than adult kibble, to help his small jaws chew and swallow it.  Since your Maltese puppy has a tiny stomach, an easy-to-digest kibble will be beneficial.  Look for a recipe with added probiotics, prebiotics and fiber to support his developing digestive system.

Nutritional Needs for Growth

When choosing food for your Maltese puppy, look for protein from lean sources such as chicken, turkey or fish to support his energy needs, lean muscle development and a healthy weight.  A quality brand will have real meat as the first ingredient.  Your puppy’s glorious coat will benefit from omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E.  Maltese puppies also need vitamin A and DHA to support developing eye and brain functions.  Support the development of his tiny bones and joints by choosing a recipe with adequate amounts of calcium and phosphorous, along with antioxidants for immune system development.

Food Allergies

Maltese can sometimes develop food allergies, which will lead to dry, itchy skin, thinning hair or even vomiting and diarrhea.  If a food allergy is suspected, a grain-free recipe can help you identify the trigger.  High-quality grain-free recipes will still contain healthy carbohydrates, such as pumpkin or peas that will help maintain his energy as he grows.  Check with your veterinarian to rule out other issues and follow the recommended guidelines on slowly transitioning your Maltese puppy’s diet to his new food.

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