Maltese dogs are one of the more sweet and regal-looking breeds of the dog world. They love to cuddle and spend time with their owners and are generally docile and obedient. Like all dogs, Malteses require specific nutritional needs in order to maintain healthy lives. They are usually easy to meet and can be given to your dog in simple, homemade recipes.
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Meeting the Nutritional Needs of Your Maltese
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All dogs require certain nutritional needs in order to be healthy. Not getting those requirements can cause a variety of problems and diseases. Therefore, if you want to make a homemade diet for your Maltese, you need to make sure that it is balanced.
All living things--and dogs are no exception--need protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and water to be healthy. The key is to balance these elements. Every Maltese is different and has certain needs depending upon his metabolism, activity level and chemistry makeup. Consult with your pet's veterinarian before making homemade food for your Maltese. The doctor can run blood tests that will let you see what your dog's body may lack or has too much of. Then you can decide how to balance his food appropriately.
Use all-natural, organic ingredients when making your pet's food. Additives and preservatives can cause problems in Maltese dogs. Healthy canines require a good amount of protein in their diets. Use beef, chicken, lamb, rabbit, fish or venison. The combination of high protein and fat, which can be given in the form of fatty-acid supplements, will help your Maltese maintain a healthy coat.
Carbohydrates should make up about 50 percent of your Maltese's food. Good sources of carbohydrates include corn, soybeans, rice and wheat. Vitamins and minerals are an essential component of your dog's diet. You usually can purchase quality vitamins from pet stores or your veterinarian's office. It's a good idea to add them to your pet's food or give them by themselves.
Homemade Diet Suggestions
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There are many different recipes for homemade food, most of which are soft. Maltese dogs have small mouths and, therefore, small teeth. Tartar and plaque seem to accumulate very quickly in small dogs, even when they are fed hard food. Brush your Maltese's teeth every day and supplement her diet with a fair amount of healthy, hard treats to help reduce the buildup.
One diet to try is a chicken and asparagus-based food. Cook 1 lb. diced, organic, boneless, skinless chicken breast in 1 tsp. light olive oil. Combine the chicken with 1 cup cooked brown rice and a few stalks of asparagus that have been diced. Add 1/2 cup chicken broth and cook the mixture until the broth is dissolved. You may add an Omega-3 fatty acid supplement along with a vitamin.
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