Best Dog Food for Maltipoo 2022:

Maltipoo dog breed which is a mix of Maltese and Poodle is becoming one of the most popular designer dog breeds here in the US. They are known to be hypoallergenic, intelligent, and easy to train.

If you already own this dog, you may already be aware that they are generally picky eaters. This is partly the reason why finding good quality dog food can be difficult.

Being a small-breed dog, I have also provided a detailed guide on how to feed and care for Maltipoo making sure that they are getting a balanced diet with all essential nutrients. In this blog, I have reviewed the best kibble for Maltipoo with a detailed guide on how those selected brands meet Maltipoo’s nutritional requirements.

What is the Maltipoo dog breed?

Maltipoo is a mix between Maltese and Poodle, so it is obvious that they have inherited some of the qualities of these two breeds. One of their more notable qualities would be their intelligence.

They are easy to train but need to be trained early otherwise they could become stubborn or even start chewing on your furniture. Another quality would be their long, silky fur. They require daily brushing to keep tangles from forming. In addition, they shed all year round, but there are ways of controlling the shedding problem which I will mention in another section of this review.

Maltipoos generally have long life spans and good health as well, however, these can sometimes be affected by the type of food that they eat. This is why it is very important to choose high-quality dog food for them so you can be sure they will get all the nutrients from their food and have great health throughout their lives.

Nutritional requirements of Maltipoo:

The nutritional requirements of puppy, adult, and senior Maltipoo dogs vary as their caloric intake requirements also differ due to their different activity levels.

Maltipoo Puppies:

Maltipoo puppies have super small mouths and can only chew very tiny kibble.

Aside from their ‘Tiny Mouth Syndrome’ that leaves no room for their teeth development at infancy and even as they get to adulthood, Maltipoo puppies require a balanced diet with high protein and fat content to meet their requirements as a very active dog.

For bone development and another key metabolism, Maltipoos need kibble with high calcium and high phosphorus. Calcium is essential in Maltipoos as it not only strengthens their bones and teeth, but also helps with blood clotting, muscle contraction, and nerve conduction.

On the other hand, phosphorus works together with calcium. It also helps with the development of strong bones and teeth. In addition, phosphorus also aids in making energy available in every cell of a Maltipoo’s body, as well as repairing damaged cells and DNA.

Puppies need more fat than adults as they require more energy to grow and develop. The best sources of fat for Maltipoo puppies are animal meat such as chicken fat, lamb fat, and fish oil.

These fats not only provide energy but also help in keeping a Maltipoo coat healthy and shiny. In addition, they also support the development of the brain and eyes. Unlike plant-based proteins, animal-sourced proteins have all the 10 essential amino acids that dogs require.

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and they are essential in supporting a Maltipoo’s immune system, as well as in repairing damaged cells and tissues.

While puppies need more fat than adults, they should not be given too much fat as this could lead to obesity and other health problems. The ideal amount of fat for Maltipoo puppies is 5-8% of their total daily caloric intake.

Maltipoo Adults:

The best dog food for Maltipoo adults should contain high-quality protein to help them maintain their lean muscle mass. Animal-sourced proteins such as chicken, lamb, and fish are the best sources of protein for dogs.

They are not only rich in protein but also contain all the 10 essential amino acids that dogs need. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and they are essential in supporting a Maltipoo’s immune system, as well as in repairing damaged cells and tissues.

In addition to high-quality protein, Maltipoos also need a moderate amount of fat in their diet. The best sources of fat for dogs are animal fats such as chicken fat, lamb fat, and fish oil.

These fats not only provide energy but also help in keeping a Maltipoo coat healthy and shiny. In addition, they also support the development of the brain and eyes.

Compared to puppies, adult Maltipoos do not require high levels of calcium and phosporus. This is because their bones and teeth are already fully developed and they are not as active as puppies.

They also require less protein and their nutritional composition should be similar to the below;

Maltipoo Senior:

The best dog food for Maltipoo seniors should contain high-quality protein to help them maintain their lean muscle mass. Animal-sourced proteins such as chicken, lamb, and fish are the best sources of protein for dogs.

They are not only rich in protein but also contain all the 10 essential amino acids that dogs need. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and they are essential in supporting a Maltipoo’s immune system, as well as in repairing damaged cells and tissues.

Their protein intake as senior dogs should also be reduced so as not to overwork their kidneys. Similarly, their intake of calcium and phosphorus should be reduced in order to reduce the effort the dog would have used to digest the minerals and also because senior dogs do not require high amounts of calcium and phosphorus.

Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Dog Food for Maltipoo:

1. Protein source: Go for kibble that used quality farm-animal proteins from whole meat such as turkey, chicken, beef, and salmon. Quality protein should not have any by-products and should not be sourced from plant-based protein sources which are known to lack some essential amino acids.
2. No fillers: Pick kibble with no fillers that are known to have limited nutritional value.
3. Age-appropriate: Choose the food according to your Maltipoo’s age as puppies, adults, and seniors have different nutritional requirements.
4. Size of kibble: Select kibble based on your Maltipoo’s size of the mouth. Some Maltipoos’ mouths are too big to chew some kibbles
5. Check the label: Always check the ingredient list and nutrition facts panel on the food packaging to ensure that you are getting what you expect.
6. Allergies: If your Maltipoo is allergic to gluten, avoid kibble with grain sourced from wheat or rye. Get those made with high-quality grains such as brown rice.
7. Correct proportions of key nutrients: Ensure that the listed nutrients in the guaranteed analysis meet the AAFCO recommendation. For example, if you are getting kibble for an adult Maltipoo, ensure that the calcium levels are not elevated as those of puppies.

Dry vs wet food for Maltipoo:

I recommend dry cat food for Maltipoos over wet food. The key reasons for this recommendation are as follows;

• Dry food is less likely to cause tooth decay.
• The high protein content in dry food is good for a Maltipoo’s coat and skin.
• Dry food helps to keep a Maltipoo at a healthy weight.

In addition, studies have shown that continuous intake of commercial wet food brands by small-breed dogs may cause bowel movements as they can experience difficulty digesting and passing out stool.

I do understand that wet food is more palatable but you can also spice up the dry kibble by adding some soup or broth or by sprinkling some sodium.

Reviews of the Best Dog Food for Maltipoo in 2022:

Purina Pro Plan

Our overall best dog food for Maltipoo in this 2022 list is Purina Pro Plan.

The Purina Pro Plan brand is a great choice for dog food as it has some of the best ingredients that you can find on the market. This includes meat and vegetables like carrots and peas. It contains antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E and beta-carotene, which will strengthen your dog’s immune system; something you will definitely need since Maltipoos are generally sensitive to environmental changes.

This dog food also has omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, which is essential for the healthy growth of your pet. It comes in small bites so it is easy for smaller breeds like Maltipoos to eat it. Just be sure not to feed too much dog food with vegetables as these can cause gastrointestinal problems.

Royal Canin Maltese

Second, on this list is the Royal Canin Maltese which also comes in small bites so it’s easy to digest. It has excellent fiber that will help regulate the digestive system of your pup and, at the same time, provide him or her with a healthy weight. The Maltese also has a high level of antioxidants that will strengthen the immune system and create healthier skin.

Premium Edge Small Breed Adult

Another top brand is Premium Edge, which offers food for small breeds in general. This one is specifically formulated to have increased protein content and lesser carbohydrates. It comes with DHA, an omega 3 fatty acid that is important for the development of the brain and eyesight. It also has antioxidants to strengthen the immune system.

Kibbles N’ Bits

Another good choice would be Kibbles n’ Bits which, as its name suggests, are small bites that are easy to eat no matter how picky your Maltese is. It has a great balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates that will have your pup have a healthy weight as well as strong bones. In addition, it is packed with vitamins and minerals to strengthen the immune system as well as antioxidants to protect from free radicals.

Natural Balance LID Small Breed

Last but not least on my list of the best dog food for Maltipoo is the Natural Balance brand. It is specifically formulated to have lots of fiber for healthy digestion as well as antioxidants to strengthen the immune system. There are no artificial flavors or preservatives added, which means that you can be sure that it is all natural. It also comes in small bites so Maltipoos will find it easy to eat.

FAQs

Q: What are some other benefits to Maltese dogs?

A: Other than staying healthy, Maltese dogs are playful and energetic. They love to play games like fetch or tug-of-war with you which means they will make great pets. They also need very little exercise since they don’t have much energy; this makes them the perfect pets for the elderly or people with disabilities.

Q: Is there anything else I should know about feeding Maltese dogs?

A: Like other breeds, you should always take care not to feed them too much food. This can cause gastrointestinal problems like vomiting and diarrhea. If you want to be sure that your dog won’t develop any health problems always consult with your vet to make sure that the food you are feeding them is safe.

Conclusion: The best dog food for Maltipoo in 2022 is Purina Pro Plan because it contains lots of fiber, omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and DHA. Second, on the list is Royal Canin Maltese because