Types of Food for a Maltese

The Maltese is an ancient all-white silky-haired toy dog popular in America and Europe. The Maltese does have some specific feeding needs, especially in regards to their teeth and problems vomiting soon after eating. Maltese are prone to tooth loss from periodontal disease and need regular tooth brushing as well as eating hard biscuit treats to help them retain their adult teeth.

  1. Canned or Pouched Food

    • Also known as wet food, these types of food contain enough water to make a Maltese dog̵7;s stool soft if it's the only type of food the dog eats. But if a Maltese is experiencing tooth problems, canned or pouched food will be the only type of food they can eat without pain. Purchase canned or pouched foods made for small dogs that include small pieces that a Maltese can easily pick up and chew. A ground up, mushy or pate type of canned food also works for a Maltese. Placing some canned or pouched food on dry food can help tempt a Maltese̵7;s appetite. Refrigerate any unused portion.

    Dry Kibble

    • Also known as dry food, kibble̵7;s crunchiness helps to scrape tartar off of a Maltese̵7;s teeth. Tartar causes bad breath and periodontal disease which can lead to tooth loss. This is the most economical type of food, argues Liz Palika, author of ̶0;KISS Guide to Raising a Puppy,̶1; since it can be bought in bulk and portions are less than for canned or pouched food because there isn't much water or broth in it. Keep dry food in airtight containers to retain freshness and prevent parasites from getting into the food.

    Semi-Moist Food

    • This is sometimes found in dry food or sold separately. It often resembles raw hamburger patties. Semi-moist food contains far less water than canned or pouched food, but large amounts of preservatives, sugar and salt, notes Liz Palika. Semi-moist food doesn't help keep teeth healthy and also causes soft stools. Adding small pieces of semi-moist food to dry kibble can tempt finicky Maltese or those that may experience chronic nausea problems.

    Treats

    • Dry or hard dog biscuits, as opposed to semi-moist, helps scrape tartar off a Maltese̵7;s teeth. Don't feed table scraps or people food to a Maltese because this quickly makes it overweight. Some Maltese enjoy raw, washed vegetables such as green beans or broccoli. Treats should be given occasionally and not as often as the Maltese begs for them.