11 Best Dog Foods for Maltipoos in 2024 and Our Unique Feeding Guide

Maltipoos are a gorgeous mixed crossbreed from a toy or miniature poodles and a Maltese. They’re usually quite small and typically present as a white or light color, but some Maltipoos are gray or chocolate colored.

Maltipoos possess many of the great qualities of their parent breeds and are very intelligent, playful, and affectionate pups. While not truly hypoallergenic, they are allergy-friendly with very little to no shedding and are a great option for people with pet allergies.

Maltipoos can be very energetic, but they also make great lap dogs who love to cuddle and be close to their pet parents. This crossbreed is highly clever and makes a great playmate for families with children. These brilliant dogs are easy to train and love a good challenge. Their coats are a mix of the curly poodle and the straight-haired Maltese. They require frequent grooming and brushing.

Both parent breeds can be prone to allergies and skin issues, and Maltipoos can develop these conditions as well. A high-quality diet can help keep your Maltipoo healthy and happy during their long life.

When searching for the right food, it’s essential to consider the ingredients and calories in your dog’s food, your dog’s lifestyle, their allergies, and sensitivities when deciding on the right nutrition. You’ll also want to determine the type of food you’ll feed them — wet, dry, fresh, raw, or a combination.

When you’re looking for the best food for your Maltipoo, there are many brands to choose from. We did the research to help you find the best food for your Maltipoo through every life stage and for any special needs your pup may have.

Along with our reviews, we’ll also provide you with a feeding guide with nutritional needs, special considerations, feeding schedules, and some of the most common questions Maltipoo owners have.

5 Key Nutritional Needs of a Maltipoo

The food you feed your Maltipoo has a significant impact on the health of your dog. It’s important to pay close attention to the ingredients and nutritional breakdown of your Maltipoo’s food. These little dogs can be quite energetic, and even Maltipoos who are more like lapdogs can have a high metabolism that burns more calories when resting than bigger dogs.

Try to purchase dog foods with as many real ingredients as possible. Avoid fillers and by-products as they fill up your dog but lack proper nutrition. A quality brand has a variety of ingredients to provide a balanced diet. Read the labels when deciding on food, and it’s always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian for advice. Here are some essential ingredients to look out for in the foods you’re considering.

Protein

All dogs need high-quality protein, and Maltipoos are no exception. All dogs need high-quality protein, and Maltipoos are no exception. Protein is the most important ingredient in your dog’s food. Good sources of protein are chicken, lamb, fish, beef, turkey, and venison. Unprocessed sources of protein provide the best nutrition.

Most brands will meet protein requirements, but it’s still important to check the quality of the protein source. Meat protein with essential amino acids is best for your dog because it can be used more efficiently than plant sources. You should look for high-quality meat sources within the first few ingredients on your dog food.

Carbohydrates

Carbs are an important part of your Maltipoos diet, but you need to be cautious about the types of carbs in your dog’s food. Some Maltipoos can be sensitive to certain carbs, like soy or corn, which can upset sensitive stomachs. Carbs such as sweet potato and brown rice can be easier to digest for some Maltipoos.

While carbs are important, make sure your dog’s food doesn’t contain a very high percentage of them. You’ll sometimes see high amounts of carbs in cheaper foods, which often means they used many fillers. Foods with low to moderate carbs will generally have more protein and will be more nutrient-dense.

Fats

Healthy fats give your dog a shiny coat and healthy skin and provide necessary fatty acids that protect your dog’s muscles, joints, bones, and cartilage. They’re also a vital source of energy for your pet. Not all fats are created equal, though. Just as with protein, fats from animals will work best for your dog, but don’t just settle for ingredients like “animal fat.”

Look for ingredients like fish oil or chicken fat to be sure you’re giving your Maltipoo the high-quality, healthy fats that they need. Puppies also require an additional fat called DHA to promote proper brain development and eye health to give your puppy the best possible start.

Fruits/Vegetables

Fruits and veggies are suitable for a balanced canine diet because they provide dietary fiber and necessary vitamins and minerals. You’ll find fruits and vegetables in many dog food brands, and you can even offer them some fresh fruits and vegetables if you like.

Protein and fat should be the primary focus in your dog’s food, but fruits and vegetables are good sources of fiber and vitamins. Just make sure that your dog’s food isn’t heavy in vegetables because this could mean that the main protein source is from plants instead of animals.

Prebiotics/Probiotics

Some dog food brands will include prebiotics and probiotics for gut health. Having a healthy gut supports a healthy immune system for your dog. Probiotics increase the good bacteria, which can help dogs with digestive issues and allergies. Prebiotics feed the beneficial intestinal bacteria to support the growth of healthy flora.

Special Dietary and Nutritional Considerations of Maltipoos

Maltipoos can vary in size depending on their parents, but they will generally fall into the 5 to 20-pound range and stand at about 8 to 14 inches. Maltipoos typically live about 10 to 13 years, on average. They’re generally very healthy dogs, but they can experience some health issues. Here are some dietary and nutritional considerations specific to Maltipoos.

Health Issues

Most breeds are prone to certain health issues, either because of genetics, size, or a general predisposition. Maltipoos are a generally healthy breed, but they can also be prone to specific health issues because of their size. Some health conditions can be prevented with proper care, but some conditions can be out of your control. These are some of the issues that are common in this breed.

• White Shaker Syndrome: This condition is found mainly in white dogs, and white is the most common color in Maltipoos. White Shaker Syndrome causes dogs to shake often, especially when they’re really excited. It mostly affects dogs between six months to three years of age.
• Epilepsy: Epilepsy is the most common condition to affect all breeds of dogs. It’s a chronic neurological disorder that causes repeated and periodic seizures. A seizure can occur only once, but epilepsy is often a lifelong condition. It’s typically very manageable with medication.
• Patellar Luxation: This condition is common among small breeds. It causes kneecaps to slide out of place. You may see a dog limping or holding their leg up when walking if they have this condition. Foods high in calcium and phosphorus are important for bone health and can help prevent patellar luxation.

Daily Calorie Intake

The amount of food your Maltipoo needs and when you feed them depends largely on their age. Young puppies should have food available at all times to prevent hypoglycemia. Older puppies up to a year old should get about three to four meals a day. Puppies need about 55 calories per pound of body weights. Adults over one year can handle two meals a day. Adults need about 40 calories per pound of bodyweight depending on activity level and individual metabolism.

Activity Level

Maltipoos can be quite energetic but don’t require rigorous exercise. They’re usually moderately active and need some form of daily exercise like a walk twice a day. Their energy levels can vary depending on which breed (poodle or Maltese) is more dominant. Poodles tend to be more high-energy, and Maltese are more laid-back.

Allergies

Like many breeds, poodles and Maltese can be susceptible to allergies, meaning Maltipoos may develop allergies as well. Food allergies, environmental and seasonal allergies, and contact allergies are all common in Maltipoos. Signs of an allergy include itchy skin, rashy or irritated skin, coat issues, respiratory issues, gastrointestinal distress, ear infections, and irritated eyes.

Food additives are a common source of allergies and can include artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors, corn, soy, wheat, eggs, grains, and certain proteins. Switching to a more allergy-friendly food can help, but talk to your vet if switching food doesn’t seem to alleviate symptoms.

Dietary Restrictions

There are a handful of foods you should never give to your Maltipoo. Chocolate can be deadly due to a chemical called theobromine, even if you give it in small amounts. Grapes and raisins have the potential to cause kidney failure in some dogs instantly. Xylitol, an artificial sweetener used in many sugar-free gums and candies, can decrease blood sugar levels to deadly levels in dogs.

Never feed your Maltipoo cat food. It’s far too high in fats, proteins, and sugars and is not formulated for dogs. Any food that is high in salt can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. The best practice is to stick to a high-quality dog food formula to minimize risk.

Skin Conditions

Just like most other dog breeds, Maltipoos can experience skin issues. These can include intense itching from allergies, dry skin, sun damage if your white Maltipoo spends a lot of time outdoors, yeast and bacterial skin infections, and fleas.

Less common issues that can affect your Maltipoo include Cushing’s disease, hypothyroidism, and canine diabetes. Healthy fats, like Omega-6, Omega-3, fish oils, and flaxseed, can help keep skin conditions at bay and keep your Maltipoo’s coat shiny and healthy.

Maltipoo Feeding Schedule

Weight (lbs.) Amount of Food per Day (cup)

2 to 4 ¼  to ⅓

5 to 8 ½ to ¾

9 to 12 ¾ to 1

13 to 16 1 to 1 ¼

You’ll also find recommended portion amounts on the dog food you choose, and they’re usually pretty accurate. Implementing a feeding schedule and sticking to the recommended daily portions can keep your dog lean and healthy. It can be easy for a little dog to put on too much weight if they’re allowed to eat when they want throughout the day. Being overweight can lead to all sorts of health problems for your beloved pup.

Keep in mind, though, that young puppies up to three months old should have access to food throughout the day to avoid hypoglycemia. Having access to food is important for healthy growth and development.

Puppies up to a year old should receive three meals a day with treats in between meals only as rewards during training. After a year old, you can begin changing their food to an adult formula and adjust your Maltipoo’s feeding schedule to two meals a day, with treats as rewards and positive reinforcement.

Overall Best Dog Food for Maltipoos

Our 2024 Picks: Best Maltipoo Dog Food
	NomNom Fresh Dog Food Made with restaurant-quality USDA-grade A proteins and vegetables with added vitamins and antioxidants Gently cooked to retain nutrients and pre-portioned for no measuring or mess Price: Varies	CHECK PRICE
	Ollie Fresh Pet Food Real high-quality meat for animal protein with fruits, plant-based protein, leafy greens, and root vegetables Customized meal plan in pre-packaged containers with a feeding guide and scoop Price:  $1.74/lb	CHECK PRICE
	The Farmer’s Dog Free from powdered meat meals and preservatives Human-grade meat and vegetables cooked in USDA kitchens with a vet-designed plan. Price: Varies	CHECK PRICE
	Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food A grain-free recipe made with real buffalo, bison, venison, and beef with fruits and vegetables for added vitamins and antioxidants Includes K9 strain probiotic blend and free from grain, wheat, corn, fillers, preservatives, and artificial flavors and colors Price: $1.74/lb	CHECK PRICE
	American Journey Salmon and Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dog Food Made with real high-protein, deboned salmon, fruits and vegetables, salmon oil, and flaxseed Grain-free and made without corn, soy, wheat, and fillers that can upset your dog’s tummy Price:  $1.79/lb	CHECK PRICE
	American Natural Premium Turkey with Pumpkin Legume-Free Dry Dog Food Features premium deboned turkey and pumpkin as an alternative to chicken and legumes Contains added probiotics and prebiotics, Omega-3 fatty acids, and menhaden fish oil Price:  $2.49/lb	CHECK PRICE
	Wellness Small Breed Complete Health Puppy Dry Dog Food Balanced and complete nutrition for puppies in a smaller kibble size and made with turkey, oatmeal, and salmon DHA for brain development and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables for healthy growth Price: $3.50/lb	CHECK PRICE
	Merrick Grain-Free Real Chicken and Sweet Potato Grain-free dry food made with real deboned chicken that contains 65 percent protein and healthy fats and 35 percent produce, fiber, vitamins, and minerals Contains the ideal combination of fats, glucosamine, and chondroitin for optimal weight and energy and healthy hips and joints Price: $2.20/lb	CHECK PRICE
	Instinct Raw Boost Healthy Weight Grain-Free Chicken & Freeze-Dried Pieces Recipe Dry Dog Food Freeze-dried kibble with boosted nutrition and L-Carnitine to help burn fat and maintain a healthy weight Made with cage-free chicken and free from potato, corn, grains, soy, wheat, by-product meal, and artificial preservatives and colors Price:  $3.49/lb	CHECK PRICE
	Solid Gold Leaping Waters Sensitive Stomach Cold Water Salmon and Vegetable Recipe Grain-Free Dog Food All-natural formula that’s 100 percent grain and gluten-free and specially catered to dogs with sensitive tummies Features Omega-3, Omega-6, and probiotic support for a healthy gut, skin, and coat Price:  $2.49/lb	CHECK PRICE
	Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Made with real turkey and other high-quality ingredients and free from beef, chicken, wheat, corn, dairy, eggs, and soy Limited ingredient recipe with essential nutrients, proteins, and carbohydrates to accommodate allergies Price:  $2.37/lb	CHECK PRICE

Our Top Pick – NomNom Fresh Dog Food

Fresh food provides the highest-quality ingredients and nutrients. Our top pick for Maltipoo parents who want only the best nutrition for their pets is NomNom Fresh Dog Food. NomNom delivers fresh, custom dog food straight to your front door. Simply fill out an online profile, select the food you want, and receive automatic temperature-controlled shipments every month. Your dog’s perfect meal is based on weight, age, activity level, and health issues.

Every meal arrives pre-portioned, so there’s no need to measure and no mess. NomNom uses only high-quality, fresh ingredients and follows the AAFCO recommendations for nutrition. Rest assured, your Maltipoo is getting all the easy to digest nutrients they need. NomNom is formulated by a leader in veterinary nutrition, and they provide free pet nutrition consultations. Your dog’s food is prepared fresh to order each week in NomNom’s facilities.

10 More Top-Rated Dog Foods for Maltipoos

In addition to our overall top pick, we selected ten other high-quality dog foods to choose from depending on your dog’s needs. From most popular, the best value, and pea-free to dog foods for allergies, sensitive stomachs, and seniors, we’ve got you covered.

Runner-up – Ollie Fresh Pet Food

Key Features:

• 100% human-grade ingredients
• Vet-crafted recipes
• Convenient meal delivery

Ollie provides exceptional human-grade dog food with premium meats, animal proteins, organ meats, and other wholesome ingredients. This premium food is made from minimally-processed ingredients and superfoods for optimal health and delivered monthly, and all recipes are designed by veterinarians and follow the AAFCO nutrition recommendations.

There are four recipes to choose from, and grain-free or grain-inclusive options are available. Your dog’s meals come with a useful container and scoop for mess-free serving. Get started by completing the online profile and selecting the ideal recipe for your dog.

Pros:

• Customized for your dog
• Four meal recipes to choose from
• Free shipping to your door

Cons:

• Requires defrosting

Fresh/Super Premium — The Farmer’s Dog

Key Features:

• Human-grade meat and vegetables
• Vet-approved nutrition
• Made fresh in USDA kitchens

The Farmer’s Dog provides fresh and healthy food delivered straight to your doorstep. This super-premium option is made for those who don’t mind spending extra to pamper their pets with the best. This human-grade dog food with whole meats and produce is tested on humans and comes in personalized vet-designed plans.

Your dog’s food is customized and pre-portioned based on your dog’s profile and dietary needs with fresh ingredients that meet USDA standards. The recipes follow a simple formula of protein, produce, and canine-essential vitamins and minerals and nothing else.

The Farmer’s Dog is vet-approved for 100% balanced and complete nutrition. Ingredients are minimally-processed and cooked at low temperatures to maintain nutrients, and then they’re flash-frozen and delivered within days of being made for optimal freshness.

Pros:

• Pre-portioned to prevent overfeeding
• Customized for your dog
• Delivered to your door

Cons:

• May not fit in some budgets

Most Popular – Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Key Features:

• Grain-free natural recipe
• The first ingredient is real buffalo
• Ingredients from sustainable sources

Taste of the Wild High Prairie is a delicious and healthy blend of meats, including buffalo, venison, lamb meal, and chicken meal. This blend provides a minimum of 32% crude protein content and includes sweet potatoes, potatoes, and chicken fat.

This formula is grain-free and made with natural ingredients that are high in antioxidants, Omega-6, and Omega-3 for a healthy immune system and shiny coat. Healthy fruits and veggies provide vitamins and minerals for highly digestible energy for active dogs. Dried chicory root provides probiotic support for healthy digestion.

Pros:

• Real bison meat sourced from the USA
• Dogs love the flavor
• Good for grain allergies

Cons:

• Contains other allergens like chicken and eggs

Best Value – American Journey Salmon and Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dog Food

Key Features:

• High-protein and grain-free
• Real deboned salmon

This American Journey recipe is formulated for all life stages. The first three ingredients are deboned salmon, chicken meal, and turkey meal as great sources of protein, along with carrots, blueberries, kelp, chickpeas, sweet potatoes, flaxseed, and salmon oil.

This formula includes Yucca schidigera extract, a natural extract that can help reduce stinky stools’ smell. American Journey is formulated to meet AAFCO guidelines by top industry professionals and is rich in omega fatty acids and long-chain DHA for healthy skin and a shiny coat.

Pros:

• High-quality fish and meat ingredients
• High in protein
• Contains a large variety of vegetables

Cons:

• High in carbs
• Contains pea protein

Pea Free – American Natural Premium Turkey with Pumpkin Legume-Free Dry Dog Food

Key Features:

• Turkey and pumpkin instead of chicken and legumes
• Added probiotics and prebiotics
• Premium formula

This premium legume-free dog food replaces legumes in favor of other vital components to your dog’s health with real deboned turkey and high-fiber pumpkin. This formula contains reliable sources of animal-based proteins and fats. There are no chicken, legumes, peas, or potatoes, and it features added prebiotics and probiotics for healthy digestion and supports immune health.

Menhaden fish oils provide Omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and a shiny coat. American Natural Legume-Free is perfect for dogs who need to stay away from legumes that can be harmful to dogs with sensitivities or other health concerns.

Pros:

• Legume-free formula with healthy grains
• Great for the digestive system

Cons:

• Some dogs don’t care for the taste

Best for Puppies – Wellness Small Breed Complete Health Puppy Dry Dog Food

Key Features:

• • Balanced nutrition for puppies

• DHA for brain development
• Smaller kibble size

This Wellness Small Breed Complete recipe is specially formulated for small breed puppies who have unique nutritional needs. This dog food features turkey, oatmeal, and salmon meal to provide nutrient-rich whole foods and real meat and fish with antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables. It also includes live, naturally-occurring microorganisms for digestive health support. Omega-3 and Omega-6 mix nourish skin for a shiny coat.

Carefully formulated super nutrients like calcium and phosphorus support healthy teeth and gums, while vitamin E and A support a healthy immune system. Natural salmon-sourced DHA supports healthy brain development for growing puppies. This line promises a balanced and complete diet to meet your puppy’s needs.

Pros:

• Small kibble size that’s perfect for puppies
• Salmon provides a natural source of DHA
• Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables

Cons:

• Some puppies don’t care for the taste

Best for Seniors – Merrick Grain-Free Real Chicken and Sweet Potato

Key Features:

• Glucosamine for healthy hips and joints
• Healthy fats for optimal weight and energy

This Merrick formula is crafted with whole foods with real deboned chicken as the first ingredient. This recipe provides complete and balanced nutrition, including produce, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other natural ingredients.

It contains added glucosamine and chondroitin, which is important for the health of your senior pup. These ingredients maintain healthy joints and hips, and omega fatty acids support aging skin and coat. Merrick is crafted with ingredients from local farmers and focused on providing real whole foods and balanced nutrition.

Pros:

• Great for dogs with joint problems
• Healthy fats promote a shiny coat

Cons:

• Some dogs don’t love the flavor

Best for Overweight Maltipoos – Instinct Raw Boost Healthy Weight Grain-Free Chicken & Freeze-Dried Pieces Recipe Dry Dog Food

Key Features:

• 25% less fat and 15% fewer calories
• L-carnitine for a healthy metabolism
• Freeze-dried high-protein kibble

Raw food diets can be messy, but thanks to this brand, it doesn’t have to be. Instinct is a raw kibble with real freeze-dried raw meat to enhance your dog’s diet and is more similar to your dog’s ancestral canine diet. Instinct uses natural ingredients and offers premium nutrition without any added fillers. It’s aimed at feeding your pet raw, holistic food in an easier form.

There are no by-product meat meals, and it’s designed to be easily digestible. This raw food kibble helps support a healthy weight and has fewer calories and fat than the original formula. L-carnitine burns fat and boosts metabolism along with high fiber to keep your pooch feeling fuller for longer.

Pros:

• Helped many dogs lose weight and increase energy
• Dogs love the raw, freeze-dried pieces
• High-protein kibble

Cons:

• Pricey compared to regular standard kibble

Best for Sensitive Stomachs – Solid Gold Leaping Waters Sensitive Stomach Cold Water Salmon and Vegetable Recipe Grain-Free Dog Food

Key Features:

• Made with sensitive stomachs in mind
• Probiotic support for gut health
• All-natural formula

Solid Gold offers holistic, all-natural pet food products. It’s formulated with lean cold water salmon from the Netherlands for premium protein and farm-fresh vegetables for easily digestible carbohydrates. This dog food provides complete and balanced nutrition with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. It’s grain-free and gluten-free for sensitive tummies and features chickpeas, tapioca, and a unique superfood blend to protect the gut and immune health.

Pros:

• No artificial ingredients
• Grain-free and gluten-free
• Promotes healthy digestion

Cons:

• May cause fishy breath

Best for Maltipoos with Allergies – Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Key Features:

• Limited ingredient formula
• Real turkey and high-quality produce

This Blue Basics recipe is a limited ingredient dog food that’s chicken-free and formulated with high-quality deboned turkey, omega fatty acids, and easily digestible carbohydrates. It’s specifically formulated with fewer ingredients for dogs with sensitive stomachs and food sensitivities.

Blue basics Limited Ingredient dog food features a single animal protein source and pumpkin, potatoes, and peas. It’s free from grains and gluten and crafted with exclusive LifeSource Bits, which are a special blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support overall health and wellness.

Pros:

• Contains LifeSource bits — blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
• No by-product meals
• Most dogs love the flavor

Cons:

• Some dogs don’t like the LifeSource bits

Our 2024 Maltipoo Feeding Guide

To conclude our reviews and feeding guide, we’ll provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions that Maltipoo owners have about this beautiful breed.

How Often Should I Feed My Maltipoo?

How often you feed your Maltipoo depends on their age and size. Puppies need to be fed more frequently (about four times a day), or you can leave some kibble in their bowl throughout the day, so they stay satiated. It’s a good idea to feed them every few hours and before bedtime. Full-grown pups should have regular feeding times twice a day in larger portions. Give your adult dog a meal in the morning and again a couple of hours before you go to bed.

Can Maltipoos Eat Human Food?

As much as you may want to spoil your furry friend, it’s best to avoid feeding scraps from your dinner plate to your Maltipoo. We, as humans, tolerate many foods that can be detrimental to your dog’s health. And by feeding your dog human food, you may not provide them with properly balanced nutrition for dogs. Human food also tends to have a higher salt content that can cause kidney problems for your pet.

Does My Maltipoo Need Supplements?

Supplements can improve your dog’s health, but if you’re feeding your Maltipoo a high-quality food and they’re healthy and don’t show signs of issues, supplements likely aren’t necessary. However, if your pup suffers from anxiety or stress, eats grass or feces, or has a frequent upset stomach, you may want to consider looking into supplements or taking a closer look at the food you’re currently feeding them.

If you see any of these symptoms, also be sure to take your dog to the vet to make sure nothing else is going on. Your veterinarian can also provide you with helpful advice about what supplements would be right for your dog.

Is Grain-Free Food Better For My Maltipoo?

Grain-free dog food is a healthy choice for your dog as long as the food is low in carbohydrates. Unfortunately, some brands will feature “grain-free” on their labels, but they replace the grains with other carbohydrates like lentils, peas, and sweet potatoes. Grain-free food is very healthy for your dog, but make sure the brand you choose isn’t misleading with the label.

Conclusion

Adopting a Maltipoo into your family is one of the most rewarding experiences, as they make loyal, cuddly, and playful companions. Maltipoos live a fairly long time on average, and by providing the right nutritious food, you can make sure they get the most out of their years.

This guide should give you everything you need to make a great choice. Through our research, you can’t go wrong with our top pick: NomNom Fresh Dog Food. With restaurant-quality fresh ingredients, pre-measured portions, and delivery straight to your door, you have everything you need to nourish your Maltipoo.