Best Dog Foods for Maltipoos
Maltipoos, a cross between a Maltese and a toy Poodle, are small, intelligent, and friendly dogs that deserve a balanced diet for optimal health.
Protein is essential, so choose dog food with whole meat as the first ingredient. Small kibble with a crunchy texture helps prevent dental issues, while healthy fats promote skin and heart health.
Complex carbohydrates like sweet potatoes and quinoa provide energy and help prevent obesity.
Since Maltipoos are prone to digestive issues, opt for foods rich in fiber, prebiotics, and probiotics.
Supplements like glucosamine, chondroitin, calcium, and beta-carotene support joint and eye health. Avoid artificial ingredients and fillers for a nutritious, balanced diet.
Selecting the right food keeps your Maltipoo healthy, happy, and full of energy.
Here are the top 5 dog food brands for Maltipoos:
- Merrick
- Whole Earth Farms
- Blue Buffalo
- Wellness Core
- Nature’s Recipe
Prices range from $16.98 to $64.98, with bag sizes between 10 lbs and 22 lbs. Nutritional needs vary by life stage.
- Best Overall: Merrick Chicken & Sweet Potato Formula Puppy Dry Food – $64.98 for a 22-lb bag = $2.95 per lb.
- Best Budget-Friendly: Nutro Chicken & Brown Rice Formula Natural Choice Puppy Dry Food– $26.98 for a 13-lb bag = $2.08 per lb.
- Best for Adult Maltipoos: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed Formula Dry Food – $35.98 for a 15-lb bag = $2.39 per lb.
- Best for Joint Health: Wellness CORE Small Breed Turkey & Chicken Recipe Dry Food – $45.98 for a 12-lb bag = $3.83 per lb.
Let’s dive in
Merrick Chicken & Sweet Potato Formula Puppy Dry Food
Merrick Pet Care’s puppy formula, launched on June 14, 2014, is ideal for Maltipoo puppies.
With no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors, it features blueberries, sweet potatoes, and apples for digestive and immune health, plus calcium, phosphorus, and taurine for overall wellness.
Feed 6 lbs puppies 1 ¼ cup at 6-16 weeks, 1 cup at 16-52 weeks. Transition over 5-7 days.
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Sweet Potatoes, Chicken Meal, Potatoes, Salmon Meal.
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 28 min, Crude Fat 16% min, Crude Fiber 4.5% Max.
- Calories: 401 kcal/cup
- Suitable for which dogs: All breeds.
- Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary according to your dog’s age and weight
- Key Benefit: Contains high amounts of omega fatty acids, DHA, glucosamine, and chondroitin for your puppy’s overall growth and development.
- Price: $64.98 per 22-lb bag ($2.95-lb)
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed Formula Dry Food
Awaken your Maltipoo’s wild side with the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula.
With omega fatty acids for skin and coat health, glucosamine for strong joints, chelated minerals, and antioxidants, it offers comprehensive nutrition.
Free from controversial ingredients and packed with wholesome grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Feed ¼ to ½ cups for dogs up to 5 lbs, and ½ to 2 cups for dogs 6-30 lbs. Transition over 14 days.
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Barley.
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 26 min, Crude Fat 15% min, Crude Fiber 4% Max.
- Calories: 396 kcal/cup
- Suitable for which dogs: Small Breeds, Extra Small, and Toy Breeds.
- Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary depending on your dog’s weight.
- Key Benefit: increased levels of proteins and healthy carbs for thick muscles and energy. Comes in a unique kibble designed for small dogs to remove tartar.
- Price: $35.98 per 15-lb bag ($2.39-lb)
Wellness CORE Small Breed Turkey & Chicken Recipe Dry Food
Delight your Maltipoo with WellPet LLC’s recipe, launched on March 17, 2012.
Featuring real chicken, it supports muscle and bone health with calcium and phosphorus.
Omega fatty acids and vitamin E promote a shiny coat and healthy skin.
Free from artificial additives, it’s ideal for sensitive dogs. Feed 2-4 lbs dogs ¼ to ½ cup daily. Gradually transition over 5-7 days.
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Lentils, Peas.
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 36 min, Crude Fat 16% min, Crude Fiber 5% Max.
- Calories: 412 kcal/cup
- Suitable for which dogs: Small Breeds, Extra Small, and Toy Breeds.
- Feeding: The daily intake varies depending on your dog’s weight.
- Key Benefit: Increased levels of glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health and high-quality fiber, prebiotics, and probiotics for improved digestive balance.
- Price: $45.98 per 12-lb bag ($3.83-lb)
Nature’s Recipe Small Breed Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe Dry Food
Nature’s Recipe Small Formula, launched on July 11, 2012, enhances digestion and immunity with fiber, antioxidants, zinc, selenium, vitamin E, taurine, and omega fatty acids.
Free from wheat, corn, soy, and artificial additives, it supports stamina and digestion.
Feed 2-4 lbs dogs ¼ to ½ cup daily; 5-8 lbs dogs ½ to ¾ cup. Gradually transition over 5-7 days.
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Tapioca Starch, Canola Meal.
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 26 min, Crude Fat 15% min, Crude Fiber 4% Max.
- Calories: 342 kcal/cup
- Suitable for which dogs: Small Breeds, extra small, and toy breeds.
- Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary depending on your dog’s weight.
- Key Benefit: Formulated with nutrient-rich pumpkin and sweet potatoes for healthy carbs to provide energy. Premium protein, calcium, and phosphorus blend for healthy muscles.
- Price: $28.98 per 12-lb bag ($2.42-lb)
Nutro Chicken & Brown Rice Formula Natural Choice Puppy Dry Food
Nutro Chicken & Brown Rice Formula is ideal for Maltipoo puppies under 1 year.
Featuring high-protein chicken and GMO-free ingredients, it supports muscle and bone health.
Safe for sensitive digestion, it contains no corn, wheat, soy, or chicken by-products.
Feed puppies 3-4 times daily up to 6 months; 2-3 meals from 6 months to adulthood. Adjust portions for ideal weight.
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Barley, Brewers Rice, Whole Grain Brown Rice.
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 28 min, Crude Fat 16% min, Crude Fiber 3% Max.
- Calories: 390 kcal/cup
- Suitable for which dogs: All breeds from the Great Dane to the tiny Poodle.
- Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary depending on your dog’s age and weight.
- Key Benefit: High levels of DHA and omega fatty acids support brain, skin, and coat health. Great for immune and bone health with vitamin E, selenium, and calcium.
- Price: $26.98 per 13-lb bag ($2.08-lb)
Halo Holistic Wild Salmon & Whitefish (Small Breed) Dry Food
Satisfy your Maltipoo’s cravings with Halo, launched on April 22, 2014.
Made with whole meat and free from artificial additives, it ensures nutrient absorption and less stool.
Salmon and fishmeal attract picky eaters, while non-GMO veggies and fruits boost health.
Crunchy texture supports dental health. For weight loss: 3-4 lbs need ¼ to ⅓ cup; for maintenance: ⅓ to ½ cups.
- First 5 Ingredients: Salmon, Whitefish, Dried Egg Product, Chickpeas, Dried Lentils.
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 27 min, Crude Fat 12% min, Crude Fiber 5% Max.
- Calories: 383 kcal/cup
- Suitable for which dogs: Small Breeds, Extra Small, and Toy Breeds.
- Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary depending on your dog’s weight.
- Key Benefit: small nutrient-rich kibble, perfect for your Maltipoo’s small mouth and shorter digestive system. Vitamin E and omega 6 and 3 fatty acids boost immunity and skin wellness.
- Price: $39.09 per 10-lb bag ($3.9-lb)
Royal Canin Maltese Adult Dry Food
Royal Canin’s formula, tailored for Maltese dogs, is suitable for Maltipoos due to their genetic makeup.
It features highly digestible proteins, precise fiber, and unique flavors.
However, it contains controversial ingredients like brewers’ rice, corn, fish oil, and vegetable oil.
Feed 4.4 lbs Maltipoos ½ cup daily; 6.6-11 lbs need ¾ – 1 ¼ cups.
- First 5 Ingredients: Brewers Rice, Corn, Chicken By-Product Meal, Chicken Fat, Wheat Gluten.
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 22 min, Crude Fat 16% min, Crude Fiber 3.3% Max.
- Calories: 317 kcal/cup
- Suitable for which dogs: Extra Small and Toy Breeds.
- Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary depending on your dog’s weight and activity levels.
- Key Benefit: high levels of glucosamine, chondroitin, omega fatty acids, and DHA for healthy joints, soft skin and coat, and improved focus and trainability.
- Price: $50.21 per 10-lb bag ($5-lb)
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small & Mini Breed Chicken Recipe Dry Food
Hill’s Pet Nutrition formula, produced since February 8, 2016, is ideal for Maltipoos.
It features real chicken and chicken meal for protein, yellow peas for carbs and fiber, and cracked pearled barley for essential nutrients.
It contains controversial ingredients like brewer’s rice, chicken liver flavor, and pork liver flavor.
Feed 2 lbs dogs ¼ cup daily, 5 lbs dogs ½ cup, and 8-30 lbs dogs ¾ to 2 cups. Adjust portions to maintain ideal weight.
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Brewers Rice, Chicken Meal, Yellow Peas, Cracked Pearled Barley.
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 21 min, Crude Fat 12% min, Crude Fiber 4% Max.
- Calories: 392 kcal/cup
- Suitable for which dogs: Small Breeds, Extra Small, and Toy Breeds.
- Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary depending on your dog’s weight.
- Key Benefit: Omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E for skin, coat, and immune wellness. Prebiotic fiber to feed your Maltipoo’s microbiome for improved digestion.
- Price: $43.99 per 15-lb bag ($2.93-lb)
What Should You Consider While Buying Dog Foods for Maltipoos?
Maltipoos, small dogs with specific dietary needs, benefit from foods with whole meats as the primary ingredient, ensuring they get essential amino acids for muscle health.
Avoid vague terms like “meat” and opt for specific proteins. Maltipoos, prone to tummy sensitivities, should have foods free of wheat, corn, soy, and artificial additives, with high-quality fiber, prebiotics, and probiotics to aid digestion.
For eye health, ingredients like carrots (beta-carotene), DHA, and vitamins C and E are key.
To support joint health and prevent patellar luxation, choose foods rich in glucosamine, chondroitin, calcium, and phosphorus. Small kibble with a crunchy texture helps prevent dental issues.
What are the best foods for Maltipoos with different ingredients?
The Best Food With Glucosamine and Chondroitin for Maltipoos
- Wellness Natural Senior Dry Food: Maltipoos are prone to patellar luxation. Glucosamine and chondroitin support joint health and minimize the risk of patellar luxation.
The Best Food With Carrots
- https://prf.hn/l/XZB9x0V/Wellness Core Carrots & Potatoes Grain-Free Dry Food: Maltipoos are susceptible to eye problems, and carrots have vitamin A for vision and skin health.
What are the other foods for Maltipoos with different health conditions?
The Best Food for Maltipoos With Sensitive Stomachs
- Diamond Care Adult Formula Sensitive Stomach Dry Food: It uses a single source and easily digestible source of protein to reduce the risks of sensitivities. Canine-specific probiotics support digestive health.
The Best Food for Maltipoos With Allergies
- Canidae Pure Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Dry Food: It is crafted with fewer ingredients to minimize the risk of allergies. It has no corn, wheat, soy, or artificial preservatives.
What human foods can Maltipoos eat?
Here are some foods you can share with your Maltipoo:
- Sweet Potatoes: Packed with antioxidants, vitamins C and A, and fiber, they promote immune health and digestion.
- Shrimp: Rich in nutrients, but should be an occasional treat due to its high-calorie content.
- Turkey: A great source of protein for muscle and bone health, but remove fat to prevent weight gain.
- White Rice: Good for dogs with digestive issues but should be limited to diabetic dogs.
- Tuna: Supports skin and coat health, but avoid raw tuna due to mercury and bacteria.
- Salmon: High in omega fatty acids for immunity and skin health.
- Pork: Can be served in small amounts, but avoid overfeeding due to its fat content.
- Carrots: Great for vision and dental health. Serve raw or cooked.
What are the common foods that Maltipoos are allergic to?
Here are common foods that Maltipoos may be allergic to:
- Synthetic preservatives: Artificial preservatives, used to extend dog food shelf life, can cause allergies in Maltipoos. Opt for natural preservatives like mixed tocopherols.
- Artificial ingredients and fillers: Ingredients like corn, wheat, and soy, often used to bulk up food, can trigger itching, diarrhea, vomiting, and licking. They provide no nutritional value.
- Grains: Some Maltipoos may be allergic to grains, leading to symptoms like excessive licking, rashes, itchy skin, hair loss, and gastrointestinal upset.
- Proteins: Rarely, certain proteins such as chicken, beef, dairy, or eggs can cause allergies. Symptoms include bald spots, swelling, breathing issues, and hives. Avoiding the allergen helps reduce reactions.