Have you ever wanted a dog that looks like a teddy bear? Then the Maltipoo is the dog for you! Sweet, affectionate, playful, and energetic with a face that no one can say no to. The Maltipoo is one of the most popular crossbreeds in the world. Their love for their humans and charming personality is everything you’ve ever wanted in a dog, but now you must make sure that Fido stays healthy and happy. So, what do Maltipoos eat? What's the best dog food for Maltipoos? What dog food brand to choose from? Royal Canin? Blue Buffalo? Orijen?
With so many options out there it is important to know what ingredients your pooch needs to be healthy and what types of dog food are best suited to their breed. It takes some work, but once you have found the best dog food for a Maltipoo, you can go back to focusing on what matters most: kisses and cuddles.
About Maltipoos
A Maltipoo is an intentional cross breed between a Maltese and a Toy or Miniature Poodle. Because they are a mix of two pure breed dogs, they are not considered a “true” breed and are not recognized by the American Kennel Club. The Maltipoo is, however, extremely popular in North America and the United Kingdom for its inexhaustible affection, endless puppylike charm, and unfiltered cuteness.
Taking the World by Storm
Known as a “designer breed”, the Maltipoo has only existed for about 20 to 30 years. Originally bred to be hypoallergenic companions for dog lovers whose sneezing fits and watery eyes were getting in the way of their cuddle sessions with their canine best friends, these adorable pooches soon became one of the most popular designer breeds available. Their loving nature, small size, and huggable appearance has made them one of the top dog choices for people living in cramped apartments in the city, to families in the suburbs, to movie stars in Beverly Hills.
Unfortunately, like the actors who helped make them so popular, Maltipoos know that there is a downside to fame. The demand for these beautiful pups is so high that irresponsible breeding practices are widespread with this crossbreed. Puppy mills and a lack of genetic testing on parents means that choosing a reputable breeder is of the utmost importance when looking to acquire a Maltipoo puppy. Both to make sure that your dog will have the best chance of being healthy, and to be certain that you are not supporting reckless and cruel breeding practices.
Reputable Breeder
Maltipoos are very commonly found in animal shelters due to misconceptions about the crossbreed. They are often marketed as dogs that will have no health problems because of the mistaken belief that crossbreed dogs are healthier than pure breed dogs. They are also sold as 100% hypoallergenic, which is similarly false as all dogs, even non-shedders like the Maltipoo, carry allergens on skin cells and saliva. Sadly, these misunderstandings result in many Maltipoos being given away after it is discovered that, like all dogs, they are not perfect.
If you are considering bringing home a Maltipoo to be your new best friend, be sure that you are aware of their minor imperfections so that you are certain that you can provide your Maltipoo a forever home, and please look to adopt before you shop.
Physical Appearance: Perfectly Unique
Like all crossbreeds, the Maltipoo can vary a lot in appearance. The random nature of genetic selection means that there isn’t a breed standard for these dogs, other than lovability of course. It is also important to note that a first-generation Maltipoo (pups with a Poodle parent and a Maltese parent) will have slightly different appearances than a second-generation Maltipoo (pups with two Maltipoo parents).
Maltipoos are very small dogs that are perfect for small homes and apartments. At full size, they only weigh between 5 and 15 pounds and are between 8 and 14 inches tall. The discrepancy in full adult weights and heights occurs because Miniature Poodles are slightly larger than Toy Poodles and both may be used when creating this crossbreed.
A Maltipoo coat can be wavy like a Maltese, curly like a Poodle, or anywhere in-between. These cuties come in a wide range of colors including black, white, apricot, cream, sable, brown, silver, grey, and even, though rarely, blue. Maltese are solely white, so when your little gold Maltipoo is posing for yet another adorable picture, you know that their beautiful coloring comes from the Poodle side of the family.
Demeanor: Love, Love and More Love
Vigilant, full of energy, and free with their love, Maltipoos are brilliant companion dogs. While energetic and in need of daily exercise, a short brisk walk or 20 minutes of dedicated playtime is all this crossbreed needs to stay fit and healthy.
These small dogs are clever and easy to train. Their natural intuition for their human’s needs and desires assist with this. Early socialization is important to help them be comfortable in a variety of situations, but it is also important to be very careful with your Maltipoo. Their small size and delicate nature make them prone to injury when playing with excitable bigger dogs or roughhousing children. Train your family just as much as your new canine to make sure that no accidents occur that could hurt your pup. When on walks, be certain to keep your Maltipoo on a leash to avoid any negative interactions with other animals.
Maltipoos are Barkers
Alert to all around them, these dogs will be sure that you know whenever someone or something is entering or near your home. Do not expect them to be protectors though. While they are good alarm dogs, Maltipoos are too small to be able to defend their family and too full of love for other humans and animals to be aggressive to strangers.
Although they are not typically nuisance barkers, it is important to remain consistent with your training so that your Maltipoo only barks when there is a credible threat and does not begin to use vocalization to gain your attention.
Separation Anxiety
Maltipoos are so committed to their humans and they wear their hearts on their paws, they are disposed to separation anxiety. Being away from their loved ones can be very hard for these adorable pups and keeping a consistent routine is very important.
If you like to travel, try to socialize your Maltipoo with friends or family early so that they have familiar faces to stay with when you are on your trips. Alternatively, take Fido with you! Their small size and gentle demeanor make them very easy to travel with. Most airlines accept dogs this size in the cabin and have clear instructions on their websites as to what is required to travel domestically and internationally with your dog. It only takes a small amount of research to be able to make your family vacation include all its members.
Nutritional Requirements
Due to their varying sizes, the best dog food for Maltipoos is very specific to the individual dog. The weight, height, activity level, and health of your Maltipoo all factor into what dog food and how much dog food you should feed them.
High Quality Ingredients
There are a few general rules when feeding Maltipoos. High-quality dog foods are a must to make sure that your pup is receiving all the nutrients that it needs. Since they are such a small breed, these dogs do not need very many calories per day. This means that every bit must be as nutritional as possible to ensure the health of your pooch.
The best dog food for Maltipoo does not contain fillers such as corn wheat husks and hulls. These types of dog food do not have very much nutritional value and will affect the weight of your pup without giving them the proteins, vitamins, and minerals that support healthy brain and body function. Pick a grain-free option to avoid any troubles with nutrient weak ingredients.
Food Allergies
Maltipoos are also susceptible to food allergies. To mitigate this problem, avoid dog foods that have artificial coloring and flavoring or chemical preservatives. These ingredients can lead to issues with their skin and coat as well as digestive complications and, in severe cases, organ damage.
Small Muzzles
Maltipoos’ small mouths are delicate and so food with a small kibble size is advised. Many high-quality dog food producers make special recipes for small breeds that take their tinier muzzles into consideration. These food brands will also likely have a better nutrient to calorie ratio for your little pooch.
Dental Health
While wet food or a raw food diet may seem like a good choice for a Maltipoo to make sure that they have an easier time eating their dog food. Kibble is very important for your dog’s dental health. Maltipoos are prone to dental problems and kibble assists with keeping them tartar and bacteria-free. High-quality kibble is also engineered to be more easily digestible than wet food or a raw diet.
Picky Eaters
A Maltipoo can be very picky with their food, so make sure that if you transition their food that you do it gently and with a lot of encouragement. Selecting the best dog food for picky Maltipoos can be tricky, but if you focus on quality dog food and make sure that your pup is receiving all the nutrients that it needs, your Maltipoo will learn to love their food at mealtime as much as they love the owner who provides it.
Adult
Maltipoo adults need around 400 calories a day. Feed them their food in two meals and never feed your dog human food to supplement. Common human food like grapes and onions can cause severe problems in your pooch that will end up being painful for them and expensive for you.
Senior
Because of their lower activity rates and decreasing metabolism, a senior Maltipoo only needs around 200 calories a day. They should still be fed their food twice daily, and their calorie allotment should be flexible according to their lifestyle.
Best Dog Food for Maltipoo Puppies
A Maltipoo puppy needs food with a lot of protein and fat as they grow. The best food for Maltipoo puppies will be specially formulated for their growth and development. Look for dog food crafted for puppies that are high in both protein and fat, while also containing easily digestible ingredients like sweet potatoes. A Maltipoo puppy should be fed their food in several smaller meals a day as their smaller stomachs mean they require more frequent feeding than adults.
Macronutrients: Proteins, Carbs, Fats Split
Ensuring to feed your Maltipoo the ideal balanced diet, it's important to get the macros right in their dog food. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) have outlined the percentage of the food that should be split in to carbs, fat, and protein. These are the macronutrient splits that are best for Malipoos.
Note the high levels of protein required to keep this breed active and healthy. The best food for Maltipoos must be primarily animal protein, so look for high-quality dog food brands and always read the ingredients before bringing one home to your pooch.
Common Health Problems
Maltipoos are no more or less healthy than other dog breeds. Despite being crossbred they can still have similar issues to other small breed dogs and must be cared for accordingly. As with all dogs, your Maltipoo's health is up to genetics. Always choose a reputable breeder and make regular veterinary visits a priority. A healthy, well cared for Maltipoo can bring happiness to your family for an average of 10 to 13 years.
Patellar Luxation
This condition is very common amongst small breed dogs and results in your pooch’s kneecap sliding in and out of place. One minute, your adorable companion seems fine, and the next they are yelping in pain. This is physically painful for the dog and emotionally painful for their owner. Symptoms include swelling and limping, and dogs with this disease are significantly more disposed to arthritis in their later years. Treatments include anti-inflammatories to help with the swelling and feeding food that is high in calcium and phosphorous to support bone structure and health.
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
A disorder that usually presents between 4 and 12 months, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is another bone illness that causes the degeneration of the femur tip where it meets the hip due to a loss of blood flow to the bone. It causes soreness and can result in lameness and uneven leg growth if untreated. Rest therapy is the recommended treatment, along with dog foods that contain high levels of glucosamine and chondroitin to assist joint health. This disease is typically more common in male Maltipoos. The good news is that if rest therapy is taken seriously, your best friend will likely fully recover.
White Shaker Syndrome
A strange condition that affects, as the name suggests, white dogs, most frequently of a small breed. It is extremely prevalent in Maltese, and by extension, it is also common amongst Maltipoos. The illness causes full-body shakes that tend to worsen when the dog is excited. It is not believed to be painful but does require veterinary intervention. Usually beginning between 6 months and 3 years old, it is thought to be an auto-immune disease, though there is little known about its true cause. Corticosteroid treatment is most often prescribed to reduce the inflammatory response in your pooch with White Shaker Syndrome.
Recommendations for the Best Dog Food for Maltipoos
1. ORIJEN Dry Dog Food, Grain-Free, High Protein, Fresh and Raw Animal Ingredients
ORIJEN Dry Dog Food, Grain-Free, High Protein, Fresh and Raw Animal Ingredients is specially formulated for small dogs and is perfectly suited to your Maltipoo. It is a grain-free food and uses healthy complex carbohydrates like lentils instead of fillers like corn wheat or soy. The chicken and turkey in the recipe are excellent sources of glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health, and the whole fish provides all the omega 3 fatty acids and omega 6 fatty acids that your pooch needs for healthy skin and coat.
With muscle meat, organs, and bones as the primary ingredients, this dog food is full of all the protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals that your pup needs to live a healthy and balanced life. The variety of protein sources in this dog food also mean that it has a great taste to entice even the pickiest Maltipoos. Plus, the small kibble size will be easy on your dogs’ chompers while also ensuring that their teeth remain clean and healthy.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Small Breed Dry Dog Food features real chicken as the first ingredient and is crafted with a variety of high-quality complex carbohydrates, fruits, and vegetables. The extra protein and carbohydrates in this recipe are perfect for small dogs with higher energy.
A good balance of omega 3 fatty, omega 6 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals make this a very well-rounded dog food that improves your Maltipoos heart health, immune system, joint health, skin, and coat. The small kibble size is ideal for dogs with smaller jaws and allows for easy eating as well as promoting tartar removal while chewing.
Nature's Recipe Grain-Free Small Breed Dry Dog Food, Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin is a nutrient-dense dog food that helps with muscle development and digestive sensitivities. Real chicken gives your dog all the protein they need to maintain a lean body with strong muscles, while easily digestible complex carbohydrates like sweet potato and pumpkin are gentle on any Maltipoo with a sensitive stomach or who is prone to food allergies.
This recipe is rich in fiber to help boost your pup’s immune system as well as calcium and phosphorus to support healthy bones and strong teeth.
Conclusion
ORIJEN Dry Dog Food, Grain-Free, High Protein, Fresh, and Raw Animal Ingredients is the best dog food for Maltipoos. Its high levels of protein and diverse protein sources make it a food choice that is both mouth-watering for your pooch and ideal for their nutritional needs. The vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids will keep Fido’s brain and body healthy and the complex carbohydrates will give them all of the energy they need to show you just how much they love you.
It can sometimes be daunting to pick the best dog food for Maltipoo. Remember to pick a high-quality kibble as there is no best wet dog food for Maltipoo, and focus on recipes, like the above, with high-quality protein, nutrient-dense carbohydrates, and plenty of vitamins and minerals. This way you can rest assured that your canine best friend will be in fine form to enrich your life with kisses and cuddles for years to come.
