The Best Dog Food for Maltipoos — A Guide to Feeding your Adorable Maltese Poodle Mix

Clever, playful and affectionate — three apt adjectives that best describe the Maltipoo! Originating in the US, Maltipoos — a cross between a Maltese and a Poodle are popular the world over for several good reasons.

This delightful pooch is noted for his dark round eyes, dark nose, dark colored tight lips, and ears set high, and wide apart.

These high energy dogs tucked away in small packages need a diet that meets their unique nutritional needs.

Given their small and active characteristics, you should ideally feed your mix breed pooch wet food, or good quality kibble packed with all the essential nutrients.

You can also feed your pooch a fresh or frozen diet that’s suited for their age (puppy, adult, senior), size (small) and activity level (low to moderate). 

That said, we’ve compared several wet and dry dog food options in this segment, and rounded off on 9 great formulas that will make your pooch smile, and enhance his overall health.

Here are the Best Dog Food for Maltipoos…

Product	Details
1. Purina Pro Plan Savor	Top Pick	6 lbs to 47 lbs packs available 26% protein 382 kcal/cup	Check Current Price
2. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food		370 kcal/cup 32 percent protein For all breed sizes 3 sizes available	Check Current Price
3. Nutro Wholesome Essentials		339 kcal/cup All breed size 22 percent protein 5 different sizes available Primary ingredient – real chicken	Check Current Price
4. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Low-Fat Canned Dog Food		6 percent protein 345 kcal/13.6 oz can Pork Liver, and natural flavors	Check Current Price
5. Iams ProActive Health Adult MiniChunks Dry Dog Food		7 lbs – 40 lbs sizes available 25 percent protein Real chicken, and egg flavor 380 kcal/cup For small Breeds, extra small & toy breeds	Check Current Price
6. Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Low Fat Original Flavor Pate Canned Dog Food		5 percent protein 349 kcal/13 oz can For small to large breeds Pork liver, turkey liver, and rice flavors	Check Current Price
7. VICTOR Hi-Pro Plus Formula Dry Dog Food		406 kcal/8oz cup 30 percent protein For small, large dogs and lactating females Premium-quality beef, chicken, fish, and pork	Check Current Price
8. Pedigree Choice Cuts in Gravy Country Stew Canned Dog Food		13.2-oz, case of 12 8 percent protein content 326 kcal/can Ideal for small to large breeds	Check Current Price
9. Hill's Science Diet Puppy Healthy Development Small Bites Dry Dog Food		25 percent protein Savory chicken flavor 374 kcal/cup Available in 4.5 lbs bags, and 15.5 lbs bags Dry food for extra small, toy breeds, and small breeds	Check Current Price

1. Purina Pro Plan Savor — Top Choice

Purina by Nestle is billed as largest pet food company in the United States, and the Purina Pro Plan Savor is yet another hit addition to the company’s massive portfolio of products.

Choosing a protein rich diet is important for your Maltipoo, and that’s where the Purina Pro Plan Savor scores high with real chicken as its primary ingredient.

This dry kibble formula contains 26 percent protein, which keeps your pooch’s digestive system healthy, and provides him with the essential amino acids necessary for healthy hair and skin, tissue repair and muscle development.

The kibbles in this formula feature a complex texture with tender shredded morsels, and are topped with savory flavor you pooch will love.

Furthermore, these small size kibbles encourage good eating habits, and are enriched with live probiotics, which produce a chain of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that aid in digestion, and modulate the immune system.

Geared towards adult Maltipoos, the Purina Pro Plan Savor considerably improves your dog’s lustrous coat, with its subtle mix of vitamin A, linoleic acid, and omega-6 fatty acid.

It offers a great protein to fat ratio of 382 kcal/cup, so your paw-some friend stays healthy, and not overweight.

Many Maltipoo owners swear by glucosamine — a natural compound and supplement present in the Purina Pro Plan Savor that is effective in pain reduction, and increased joint mobility.

It can be ordered in a choice of several different sizes ranging from 6 lbs bags to 47 lbs bags, making it easy to get the right size for your pet’s needs.

For a formula that provides a 100 percent balanced and complete nutrition for your Maltipoo, you really can’t go wrong with the Purina Pro Plan Savor dry dog food.

Rating – 4.9/5

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2. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

If your Maltipoo is known to suffer from grain allergies, its time you give the grain-free Taste of the Wild High Prairie formula a shot.

You can order this formula in a choice of three size variants — 5 lbs, 14 lbs or 28 lbs, making it easy to determine whether it’s indeed a good solution or time to visit your vet to have your pooch’s allergies looked at.

Roasted buffalo and bison, followed by chicken fat, egg product, blueberries, raspberries, and a whole lot more make this recipe hard to resist for your furry friend.

The fruits and veggies included in this formula give your Maltipoo the right dose of natural oxidants, which collectively boost his immune system.

The Wild High Prairie dry dog food formula is sprinkled with dried chicory root, which helps maintain healthy bacteria in the gut for reduced risk of certain diseases.

Furthermore, it contains a rich trace of chelated minerals, which make it easy for your Maltipoo to absorb essential nutrients.

Made in the USA by a family owned and operated company, the High Prairie dry dog food is made in adherence with stringent quality protocols, so you can trust it is absolutely safe for pet consumption.

If you’re looking for Maltipoo dry dog food that’s chock full with powerful antioxidants, nutrients and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, the Wild High Prairie formula is hard to beat!

Rating – 4.7/5

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3. Nutro Wholesome Essentials

Maltipoos typically have a longer lifespan than other breeds — somewhere in the range of 12 to 16 years.

So, to help your pooch live to the max, you need to feed him wholesome formula packed with nutrients such as the Nutro Wholesome Essentials.

This mouthwatering recipe doesn’t contain any chicken-by-product, soy protein, wheat or artificial ingredients, but instead features farm raised chicken as its first ingredient.

It provides the right amount of support for your paw-some friend’s joints, and is easy to digest, owing to its crunchy yet small kibble size, and rich, natural sources of glucosamine, and chondroitin included in its list of ingredients.

Further, this nutrient-dense formula contains the right mix of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are known to collectively prevent dry, itchy skin, dull coats, and greatly improve skin, and coat health.

This 100 percent natural recipe is made entirely from non-GMO (Genetically modified organisms) ingredients, and absolutely no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.

The Nutro Wholesome Essentials dry Maltipoo food can be ordered in a choice of five size variants ranging from 3 lbs bags to 40 lbs bags, so you can start with a small portion to see if it’s indeed a good fit for your Maltipoo.

It offers a great 22 percent protein, and contains a small dose of dried plain beet pulp, which provides your pooch with an additional source of energy.

Each serving contains 339 kcal per cup, which is the right amount of nourishment for your Maltipoo.

Rating – 4.8/5

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4. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Low-Fat Canned Dog Food — For Maltipoos with Sensitive Stomach

Founded by French veterinary surgeon Jean Cathary in 1968, Royal Canin is a leading cat and dog food global supplier, and the Veterinary Diet wet dog formula is yet another bestseller by the company.

Maltipoos for the most part are healthy overall, but being hybrid dogs can at some point experience stomach issues such as diarrhea, and vomiting.

If your fur-baby is suffering from any of the aforementioned issues, then the Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Low-Fat formula is bound to be a treat to their stomachs for several reasons.

For starters, this tantalizing, palatable prescription diet is geared specifically to combat digestive issues in your Maltipoo, owing to its low-fat content.

Even with its low-fat content, it delivers a high level of nutrition for your pet with omega-3 fatty acids sourced from fish oil.

Omega-3 fatty acids offer twofold benefits — first they aid in proper brain, and eye development in puppies, and next can also greatly improve cognitive function, and treat arthritis, and chronic kidney disease in older Maltipoos.

This Maltipoo prescription formula is enriched with antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, which collectively can make a world of a difference in your pet’s immune system, and long-term health.

The Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal does contain low 6 percent low protein content, but on a brighter note has a positive effect on dogs with kidney disease — a common health condition seen in toy and small breed dogs.

It features pork liver as one of its main ingredients, which serves as a good source of iron, copper, niacin, zinc, and phosphorus, and offers a satisfying 345 kcal/13.6 oz can.

If your pet is showing signs of digestive issues or you’d like to improve his appetite with a low-fat content formula, speak to your vet today for a prescription to the Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal wet dog formula.

Rating – 4.7/5

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5. Iams ProActive Health Adult MiniChunks Dry Dog Food — Best Dry Dog Food for Strong, Firm Muscles

Headquartered in Ohio, USA, Iams, founded in 1974 is an esteemed brand of cat and dog food that boasts a massive range of products, each formulated by nutritionists and veterinarians such as the ProActive Health Adult MiniChunks dry dog food.

Designed for Maltipoos, small breeds, extra small & toy breeds over 1-year old, the ProActive Health dry dog food contains the company’s exclusive MiniChunks, which are designed to keep your active pet well-nourished with the right amount of essential nutrients, and prebiotics packed into smaller sized tasty kibble.

Made in the USA, the Iams ProActive Health formula can be ordered in a choice of five bag sizes ranging from 7 lbs to 40 lbs packages.

This recipe is rich in real chicken and egg, which together deliver the right 25 percent protein, which consequently contributes to your pet’s healthy hair, skin and muscle development.

This Maltipoo dry dog formula contains absolutely no filler or artificial preservatives, and comes in scrumptious, crunchy kibbles that help reduce plaque, and tartar build-up with each bite.

With 380 kcals delivered with each serving, the Iams ProActive Health formula nourishes your pooch with a total of seven essentials nutrients, and promotes healthy digestion, and a strong immune system.

Rating – 4.7/5

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6. Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Low Fat Original Flavor Pate Canned Dog Food — Best Low-Fat Maltipoo Dog Food

Hill’s Pet Nutrition took center stage in 1968 with its innovative lineup of products that were dubbed as Hill’s Science Diet, and made available through veterinarians, and pet professionals.

The company today offers over fifty different pet foods formulated for many life-stages, special needs in healthy pets, and made available in available in 86 countries around the world.

Even though not common in small hybrid breeds, Maltipoos can attracts extras pounds, which can lead to overweight issues.

This can lead to a myriad health problem including arthritis, diabetes, and in worse cases can affect their long term health.

The Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care formula is targeted towards both small and large breeds suffering from obesity.

This clinically proven formula offers the right mix of digestive nutrition that can help curb your pet’s digestive challenges.

It features low fat content, and provides your pet with 5 percent protein, and 349 kcal/13 oz can, so they stay lean and fit, and not overweight.

This formula by Hill’s Pet Nutrition contains several noteworthy ingredients including pork liver, turkey liver, and rice, making it hard to refuse for your pooch.

Additionally, it contains a small dose of ginger, which is a proven, and excellent natural method for soothing upset stomachs, resulting in good digestion.

To top things off, this Hill’s Pet Nutrition is enriched with omega 3 fatty acids, which maintain your fur friend’s luscious coat, and supports GI (Gastrointestinal) recovery.

Rating – 4.8/5

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7. VICTOR Hi-Pro Plus Formula Dry Dog Food — Great Choice for Growing Maltipoo Puppies and Pregnant and Lactating Females

Victor Pet Food is an esteemed American brand in the pet food segment. The company’s mission is to produce only the best food possible, and in their own manufacturing facility in the heart of Texas.

The VICTOR Hi-Pro Plus formula is a nutrient-rich formula, making it a great choice for puppies and adult dogs, and for all breeds.

It is also a highly recommended choice for active pups, and dogs with high physical demands, and features a whopping 88 percent meat protein, sourced from premium quality real chicken, beef, fish, and pork.

While your Maltipoo does need good carbohydrate intake to produce the energy it needs to stay active, too much can contribute to obesity.

The VICTOR Hi-Pro Plus aims to solve this with this gluten-free grain formula, so you pet gets a complete, and balanced diet.

It is fortified with an extensive list of essential vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and amino acids, which work towards supporting your pet’s bone, and muscle development among other benefits.

The VICTOR Hi-Pro Plus dry dog food can be ordered in several different sizes ranging from 5 lbs bags to 50 lbs bags.

It offers a high overall 30 percent protein, and 406 kcal/8oz cup, which according to pet experts is a healthy calorie intake for Maltipoos.

Rating – 4.8/5

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8. Pedigree Choice Cuts in Gravy Country Stew Canned Dog Food — Best Wet Dog Food for Maltipoos

When shopping for the best dog food for Maltipoos, you’ve probably heard the name Pedigree crop up often.

The company — a subsidiary of the American group Mars, Incorporated offers a wide range of premium quality yet affordable pet food, and ships to several countries across the globe.

The Pedigree Choice Cuts wet dog food formula is basically a meaty feast your Maltipoo will love you for.

It contains flavorful morsels of chicken soaked in delectable gravy, resulting in a succulent taste of traditional country stew.

This balanced recipe is fortified with optimal levels of oil and minerals, which work collectively to considerably improve your pet’s coat for a luxurious shine, and well-nourished skin.

This wet food dog formula by Pedigree offers 8 percent protein content, and delivers a healthy 326 kcal/can. Additionally, it is sprinkled with vitamin D3 supplement — an essential vitamin for your pet’s overall health.

Made in the USA, the Pedigree Choice Cuts recipe is an ideal choice for small to large breeds, and features a soft texture for added flavor to a plethora of dog diets or when served with kibble.

Rating – 4.8/5

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9. Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Healthy Development Small Bites Dry Dog Food — Best Dog Food for Maltipoo Puppies

Coming in at the #9 position on this list of best dog food for Maltipoos is a tried and tested formula by Hill’s Science Diet — a subsidiary of the Colgate-Palmolive Company, and marketed by Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc.

This recipe by Hill’s Science Diet is formulated specifically for puppies of extra small & toy breeds, and small breeds.

It features easy to digest small size kibbles, making it a great choice for puppies up to 1 year old.

The kibbles in the Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Healthy Development Maltipoo puppy food is chock full of essential nutrients including savory chicken meal, and barley.

Furthermore, it is enriched with naturally sourced DHA from fish oil, which plays a pivotal role towards your pup’s healthy brain, eye and skeletal development, and promotes healthy immune function.

Adding to its list of key nutrients is vitamin E and C, which together with antioxidants further support your pooch’s immune system, so he’ll be able to easily fight allergies or illnesses like asthma. Made in the USA, this complete balanced diet offers a rich 25 percent protein, and 374 kcal/cup.

For a puppy formula that not only tastes delicious, but also features high quality ingredients, and absolutely no artificial flavors, flavors or preservatives, the Hill’s Science Diet Puppy is definitely worth a second look.

Rating – 4.8/5

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Buying Guide For Maltipoo Dog Food

Before heading out on the shopping trail for the best Maltipoo dog food, there are a few important factors to consider to ensure you get the right formula for your pet.

Common Maltipoo Health Issues

Teacup Maltipoos are adorable pets, but just like other purebred or cross-breeds can experience health issues.

But on a brighter note, most of these health issues can be prevented with proper care. Most of the health issues of this designer breed stem from their small size.

While some of these health conditions are natural, Maltipoos can still live for up to 15 years in ideal environments, when properly cared for.

White Shaker Syndrome

This health condition is usually attributed to genetics, and is common to white-colored dogs.

In Maltipoos, it is usually inherited from their Maltese parents or ancestors, and is usually seen in puppies starting from six months to three years of age. When affected, Maltipoos may experience body tremors, but good news is they go away if treated right away with a small dose of medications such as the steroid — Prednisone.

Dental Problems

Maltipoos can suffer from several dental problems, most commonly ‘tiny mouth syndrome’.

This dental health issue is caused when your pet runs out of space in his mouth to accommodate an erupting tooth. Further, your Maltipoo may develop plaque, and gingivitis, given that they have very tiny teeth. Dog food with crunchy kibbles works well to treat plaque and tartar in Maltipoos, and can prevent any further damage.

Allergies

Maltipoos are hypoallergenic, which makes them a preferred choice for pet owners. However, they can experience allergic reactions, mostly caused by artificial additives.

Plastic feeding bowls tend to be the biggest culprits for allergies in Maltipoos. Allergies however can also be triggered by fibers in carpets.

How Often Should You Feed Your Maltipoo?

2 to 3-Month-Old Puppies

When you bring your pooch home, you should have food available to them at all times for the first month or so. This is important to aid with his early stages of growth.

3 to 12 Months

During your puppies first year, your paw-friend should ideally be eating three times per day.

You can also add treats to the mix every so often, but it’s recommended that you reserve these goodies as rewards during obedience training, and house training as this is the perfect time for them to learn.

 1 Year Onwards

Given that Maltipoos are a smaller breed, they may not like the idea of one big meal per day, so feed him at least two meals per day, with treats at certain intervals as appreciation for his good behavior.

How Much Should I Feed My Maltipoo?

This varies across dogs, and depends on the dog food — whether wet or dry, and activity level of your pooch, but basic guidelines are:

• 2 to 4 lbs — Feed 1/3 to 1/2 cups/day
• 5 to 8 lbs — Feed 1/2 to 3/4 cups/day
• 8 to 10 lbs — Feed 1/2 to 3/4 cups/day
• 10 to 12 lbs — Feed 3/4 to 1 cup/day
• 13 to 16 lbs — 1 to 1 1/4 cups/day

Each pet food package is also labelled with portion recommendations, and you can find this information on the manufacturer’s official website.

What To Look For In Maltipoo Food?

Protein

Just like all breeds, Maltipoos need a good amount of protein. Even though most Maltipoo food available today surpass a dog’s minimum protein requirements, you need to ensure that the protein comes from good sources.

Grains or Grain-Free?

Grain-free dog food has become increasingly popular over the years, and has been considered great chow for poodles as well as Maltese, if not overloaded with lentils, peas, and other plant sources of protein. If you’ve decided on grain-free kibbles, you should ensure that the Maltipoo dog food formula is rich in protein that is not sourced from plants.

A perfect example is the VICTOR Hi-Pro Plus formula mentioned on this list, which contains 88 percent meat protein, sourced from premium quality real chicken, beef, fish, and pork.

Artificial Flavors, Preservatives, Colors, Sweeteners

In short, you need to avoid all of these ingredients.

Final Thoughts

Maltipoos for the most part are a consistent blend between the Poodle and Maltese. When choosing the best food for your furry friend, you will be spoilt for choice, given the myriad of options available.

Dry food typically seems to be the better option, owing to the fact that this hybrid breed can suffer from dental issues if they feast wet food consistently.

Our top choice — the Purina Pro Plan Savor hits all the right notes in this space due to its high 26 percent protein content sourced from real chicken, and optimal protein-to-fat ratio.

The shredded morsels in this formula are also easy to chew, and packed with omega-6 fatty acid for healthy skin support.