Toy breed
Maltese: feeding, nutrition and health
The Maltese is one of the smallest dog breeds, and its tiny body comes with a tiny stomach and limited liver reserves. Puppy hypoglycemia, sensitive digestion, and tartar buildup are all more common in this breed than in larger dogs. Here's how to feed a Maltese safely and in the right portions.
- Weight
- 1.5–3.5 kg3–8 lb
- Height
- 20–25 cm8–10 in
- Lifespan
- 12–15 yrs
- Size
- Toy
- Activity
- Low
- Adult at
- 10 months
- Senior from
- 10 yrs
- FCI group
- 9
How much food does a Maltese need?
The calculator starts at the breed average of 2.5 kg (6 lb). Put in your own dog's weight and the energy figure from the bag.
On the bag this is the metabolisable energy (ME). If it is given per kg, divide by 10. If it is in kJ, divide by 4.184.
Daily portion
— g
— oz · range — g
Per meal
— g
2 meals a day
Energy
— kcal
resting need — kcal
Usage: — kg a month (a 12 kg bag lasts about — days)
Cost: — a month
The full explanation of the maths is on the food portion calculator.
Feeding a Maltese: what matters
A Maltese needs an energy-dense food with small kibble that its tiny mouth can comfortably chew. Because of the small stomach and limited liver reserves, splitting the daily ration into more, smaller meals matters more for this breed than for medium and large dogs.
Protein quality matters for the Maltese partly because of its sensitive digestion; cheap ingredients high in grain and low in digestibility often show up as loose stools or gas. A food with a single, clearly declared source of animal protein tends to be the gentler choice for this breed.
Given the small jaw and tendency toward tartar, a dry kibble with some abrasive texture helps, along with dental treats sized for the breed. Soft, moistened food is easier for older dogs to chew, but it builds up tartar faster, so it's worth pairing with regular dental care.
Protein in the food
26–30 %
dry matter, mostly animal
Fat in the food
15–19 %
dry matter, by activity
What to watch for
- Small stomach: one large portion can trigger vomiting, so split the daily ration into smaller meals.
- Hypoglycemia in puppies and small adults: never leave the dog without food for long stretches.
- Sensitive digestion to sudden food changes and to fatty treats or table scraps.
- Tartar buildup: even a small amount of soft treats with no abrasive action speeds it up.
Practical feeding tips
- Feed adults 3 times a day; puppies under 4 months even 4 to 6 times a day because of hypoglycemia risk.
- Choose small kibble made specifically for toy breeds, which makes chewing and eating easier.
- Introduce new food gradually over at least 10 days, watching stools and for any vomiting.
- Keep treats to a minimum and choose soft pieces without artificial dyes, which can worsen tear staining.
- See your vet for any suspected liver shunt (stunted growth, lethargy after eating, neurological signs); diet changes should only happen under professional guidance.
Feeding schedule by age
| Stage | Meals a day | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy 8 to 16 weeks | 4-6x | Small, frequent meals because of hypoglycemia risk; toy-breed food. |
| Puppy 4 to 8 months | 4x | Gradually reduce meal frequency; watch growth and body condition closely. |
| Junior 8 to 10 months | 3x | Preparing for the switch to adult food. |
| Adult 10 months to 10 years | 3x | Small kibble, monitor tartar buildup and body condition. |
| Senior from 10 years | 3x | Easily digestible food, kidney and joint support, smaller portions. |
Health risks that diet affects
Tartar and periodontal disease
The Maltese's tiny jaw often has crowded teeth, where plaque builds up quickly and hardens into tartar. Without regular dental care and a food with some abrasive action, tooth loss can happen at a younger age than in larger breeds.
Hypoglycemia in puppies
A Maltese puppy's small body has limited liver glycogen reserves that run out quickly, especially with fasting, stress, or illness. Puppies need to be fed 4 to 6 times a day and should never go without food for long, since collapse is a real risk.
Tear staining (epiphora)
The typical rust-colored staining under the eyes usually has an anatomical cause, but it can be made worse by a low-quality diet high in dyes and carbohydrates, or by a food sensitivity. A quality food with fewer additives can sometimes lessen it.
Sensitive digestive tract
Maltese dogs often respond to a sudden food change or fatty foods with vomiting or diarrhea. Switching to a new food needs a longer, more gradual transition than in hardier breeds, usually 10 to 14 days.
Portosystemic shunt (liver shunt)
The Maltese is among the breeds with a higher rate of this congenital vascular defect, where blood bypasses the liver and toxins aren't filtered out. Affected dogs need a special low-protein diet prescribed by a vet, and the details vary a lot case by case.
Temperament and exercise
The Maltese is sociable, affectionate, and deeply attached to its owner, and gets its exercise more from indoor play than long walks. But an adult's low energy needs mean that even a small amount of extra food quickly shows up on such a tiny frame.
This is a classic 'pocket dog' with a very small stomach that can't handle a large portion in one sitting. Feeding smaller amounts more often isn't just a suggestion for the Maltese, it's closer to a rule, especially for puppies and older dogs.
Sensitive digestion is common in the breed; a sudden change of food or a fatty treat can easily trigger vomiting or diarrhea. Owners should introduce new foods gradually and watch for a reaction over days, not hours.
Coat: A long, silky, flowing white coat with no undercoat; it doesn't shed but needs daily grooming and is prone to tear staining under the eyes.
Common questions about feeding a Maltese
How much should a Maltese weigh?
The FCI standard puts adult Maltese at 1.5 to 3.5 kg (3.3 to 7.7 lb), ideally around 3 kg (6.6 lb) for females and 3 to 4 kg (6.6 to 8.8 lb) for males. It's one of the smallest breeds of all, so even small swings in weight are very noticeable.
How much food does a Maltese need per day?
For a dog weighing 3 kg (6.6 lb), that's typically around 40 to 60 g (1.4 to 2.1 oz) of quality kibble a day, split into three smaller meals. The exact amount depends on the food's energy density, age, and activity; use the calculator above.
What's the best food for a Maltese?
Look for small kibble made for toy breeds, with a quality animal protein source, a slightly higher fat content for the energy needs of such a small body, and no unnecessary dyes, which can worsen tear staining.
Why does my Maltese vomit after eating?
The most common cause is too large a portion at once, or eating too fast; a Maltese's small stomach can't handle a big meal. Splitting the daily ration into smaller portions usually solves it. Persistent vomiting should always be checked by a vet, since it can also signal a liver shunt.
How long do Maltese dogs live?
Average lifespan is 12 to 15 years, and many live even longer with good care. Preventing hypoglycemia in puppies, dental care, and keeping a lean body condition throughout life are all key.
How can I reduce tear stains on a Maltese?
Besides anatomical and hygiene causes, diet can play a role; a quality food with a single protein source and no artificial dyes or preservatives sometimes lessens staining. If stains suddenly worsen or come with redness, it's more likely a health issue than a food issue, and it's worth seeing a vet.
Breeds of a similar size
Bichon Frise
Toy · 3–6 kg · 13–16 years
The Bichon Frise is a small, cheerful companion prone to skin allergies and to forming calcium oxalate stones in the bladder. Here's how diet can support healthy skin, coat, and urinary tract, and why protein quality and water intake matter so much for this breed.
Chihuahua
Toy · 1.5–3 kg · 14–17 years
The Chihuahua is the smallest breed in the world, with minimal energy intake, a small stomach, and a risk of hypoglycemia in puppies. Here's how precise, gram-measured feeding can prevent blood sugar drops, dental problems, and the excess weight that's especially dangerous for such a tiny dog.
Pomeranian
Toy · 1.5–3.5 kg · 12–16 years
The Pomeranian is the toy-sized version of the German Spitz, and on such a small frame even tiny calorie swings make a big difference. Tartar buildup, a collapsing windpipe, and hypoglycemia in puppies are all issues this breed's diet needs to address from day one.
Yorkshire Terrier
Toy · 2–3.2 kg · 13–16 years
The Yorkshire Terrier is a tiny breed with a small stomach, a tendency toward hypoglycemia, sensitive digestion and an elevated risk of liver shunt. Here's how feeding small, precise portions supports digestion, teeth and stable blood sugar.
Sources
- FCI standard no. 65: Maltese
- WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee: Global Nutrition Guidelines
Last updated 2 September 2026.