Vet-approved Maltipoo Feeding Guide & Nutrition Tips

Maltipoos are a cross between the Maltese and Poodle. As a toy to small breed mix, they’re known for their affectionate nature, lively personality and low-shedding, fluffy coats. Their compact size makes them ideal for apartment living, but it also means their metabolism, dental health and energy needs differ significantly from larger dogs.

Small breeds like Maltipoos are more prone to health issues like low blood sugar, dental disease and digestive upsets, especially when fed an inconsistent or poor-quality diet. Their sensitive skin can also react to common allergens in food, and they may experience runny stools or itching due to ingredient intolerances.

Providing complete and balanced nutrition tailored to their size and life stage is key. A high-quality small-breed formula, rich in animal protein, essential fatty acids and dental support, can help keep your Maltipoo thriving from puppyhood into their senior years.

Related reading: The Vet’s Guide to Maltipoo Dogs: Facts, Care, and Training Tips

Feeding a Maltipoo isn’t just about keeping them full. Their food should support healthy digestion, a strong immune system and a shiny, low-shedding coat — all while meeting the unique needs of a small dog.

Ingredients that support their size and sensitivities

Always start with high-quality animal protein. Ingredients like turkey, fish or lamb help maintain muscle and provide lasting energy. Since Maltipoos can be sensitive to beef and chicken, a novel protein diet may reduce the risk of skin reactions or upset stomach.

Look for omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from fish oil or flaxseed, which help manage skin inflammation and promote coat health. This is especially important for Maltipoos with dry or itchy skin.

Avoid diets that rely heavily on cheap fillers like corn, wheat or soy. These offer little nutritional value and can trigger intolerance symptoms in sensitive dogs.

Small breed needs and daily energy

Maltipoos are small, but they burn energy fast. They need nutrient-dense food in smaller portions to keep blood sugar stable throughout the day. Small-breed specific formulas have appropriately sized kibble that’s easier for them to chew and digest.

Dental health should also factor into your food choice. Small dogs like Maltipoos are more likely to develop plaque, so look for kibble with dental-support benefits or consider integrating specific oral-care diets recommended by your vet.

The best feeding style for your Maltipoo depends on their health, appetite and how they prefer to eat. Each approach has pros and cons, and the right choice may evolve over time.

Dry dog food (kibble)

Dry food is ideal for many small breeds, offering convenience, affordability and dental benefits. The crunch of dry kibble helps reduce plaque build-up, which is especially important for Maltipoos prone to dental disease.

Small-breed kibble is designed to suit tiny mouths and often includes added nutrients to support metabolism, joint health and skin function. For Maltipoos, kibble also makes portion control easier — which helps avoid overfeeding.

Wet dog food (cans or trays)

Wet food contains more moisture, which can support hydration and appeal to picky eaters. It’s also easier to chew, making it a good option for Maltipoos with missing teeth or dental discomfort.

However, wet food can be less effective for dental hygiene and usually costs more per serve. You’ll also need to ensure your dog is getting the right calorie intake, as it’s easier to overfeed without careful measurement.

Mixed feeding

A mix of wet and dry food offers the best of both worlds. Many owners use dry food for regular meals and add wet food for flavour variety or to tempt fussy eaters. This method can keep mealtime exciting while supporting dental health and texture preferences.

If combining foods, be careful to adjust portion sizes to prevent unintentional overfeeding. Always ensure your chosen products are AAFCO-approved and suitable for your dog’s life stage.

A well-chosen diet does more than fuel your Maltipoo’s daily routine. It can help manage or prevent many of the common health problems this crossbreed is likely to face.

1. Dental disease

Small breeds like Maltipoos are at high risk for plaque and tartar build-up. Without the right diet, dental issues can escalate quickly. Dry kibble that supports oral hygiene or prescription dental diets can help reduce bacteria in the mouth and slow tartar accumulation. Learn more about creating a complete dental care routine for your dog.

2. Skin and coat sensitivities

Maltipoos often inherit sensitive skin, reacting to certain proteins or environmental triggers which can lead to certain dog skin conditions. Signs include itching, flaking, or frequent scratching. Diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids, with limited or novel proteins, can help calm inflammation and support skin repair.

3. Digestive issues

Loose stools or gassiness are not uncommon in Maltipoos, especially if they’re on low-quality or inconsistent diets. Choosing highly digestible food with prebiotics, quality fibre and no artificial additives can promote gut balance and improve stool upset stomachs in your dog.

4. Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia)

Maltipoo puppies are especially vulnerable to drops in blood sugar if meals are missed or spaced too far apart. Feeding multiple small meals of calorie-dense food throughout the day helps maintain stable energy levels and prevent lethargy or weakness.

5. Food allergies

Some Maltipoos may develop food allergies, often to common proteins like chicken or beef. Symptoms include ear infections, licking paws, or chronic digestive upset. Limited-ingredient diets or veterinary hypoallergenic formulas can reduce flare-ups and help identify triggers.

Each food below is selected to support Maltipoos across life stages, with special attention to dental support, sensitive skin, and healthy digestion.

Royal Canin Mini Puppy Dry Dog Food

Formulated for small breed puppies up to 10 months old. Supports fast metabolism with high energy content, strengthens immune function with antioxidants, and promotes healthy digestion with prebiotics.

Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Paws Chicken & Brown Rice

Specifically made for toy and small breed pups. Includes DHA from fish oil for brain development, and balanced minerals to support strong teeth and bones during growth.

Advance Adult Small Breed Chicken with Rice

Made for small breeds with sensitive digestion. Contains green-lipped mussel for joint care, inulin for gut health, and antioxidants for immune support. Kibble size is ideal for tiny jaws.

Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Paws Lamb Meal & Rice

Lamb-based for dogs who don’t tolerate chicken well. Offers skin and coat support through omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E, with added taurine for heart health.

Royal Canin Mini Ageing 12+ Dry Dog Food

Ideal for ageing small breed dogs. Supports joint mobility, cognitive function and heart health with EPA, DHA, and antioxidants. Kibble is rehydratable for dogs with fewer teeth.

Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Small Paws Senior

Formulated to boost vitality in senior small breeds. Includes a proprietary antioxidant blend to support brain health and mobility, with easy-to-chew kibble for older dogs.

Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities

Perfect for Maltipoos with food allergies or chronic itching. Uses hydrolysed protein to avoid immune reactions, along with skin-support nutrients to rebuild the skin barrier.

Royal Canin Dental Small Dog Dry Food

A vet-recommended dental formula for small dogs prone to tartar. Helps reduce plaque and maintain gum health with specialised kibble texture and size.

Maltipoos are small dogs, but they often have fast metabolisms and high energy needs. Feeding amounts should always consider your dog’s size, age, and activity level. Start with the guide below and adjust with your vet’s help based on your Maltipoo’s body condition.

Feeding frequency:

• Puppies: 3 meals daily to support growth, energy, and stable blood sugar
• Adults: 2 meals daily to maintain a healthy metabolism and avoid energy crashes
• Seniors: 2 smaller meals daily to support digestion, joint comfort and weight control

These amounts are based on high-quality dry dog food. If you use a mix of wet and dry, adjust the portions to stay within your dog’s daily calorie needs.

Free feeding is not recommended for Maltipoos. Their small size makes them prone to weight gain if portions aren’t carefully measured. Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cup for precision.

Feeding a Maltipoo well means more than just picking the right food. Watch for these common pitfalls that can undermine even the best diet plan.

Overfeeding small breeds

It doesn’t take much for a Maltipoo to gain weight. Treats, table scraps and overfilled bowls can quickly exceed their calorie needs. Obesity raises the risk of joint issues like dog arthritis, heart strain and diabetes. Stick to measured meals and account for any extras.

Feeding unsafe human foods

Some ingredients that are harmless to us are toxic for dogs. Avoid giving chocolate, grapes, sultanas, garlic, onion, xylitol or fatty cuts like bacon. Even tiny amounts can trigger serious health problems in small dogs.

Switching diets too fast

Changing food abruptly may lead to vomiting or diarrhoea in dogs. Transition gradually over 7 to 10 days by mixing the new food into the old, increasing the new food a little each day.

Ignoring subtle health signs

Itchy skin, licking paws, tear staining, loose stools or bad breath may signal that something in the diet isn’t right. If issues persist, it may be time to explore a sensitivity-friendly or prescription option with your vet.

Do Maltipoos need small breed-specific dog food?

Yes. Small breed formulas are designed with higher energy content, smaller kibble size and the right nutrient ratios for compact dogs like Maltipoos.

How do I know if my Maltipoo is eating the right amount?

Healthy stool, steady energy, a shiny coat and a visible waistline are good indicators. If your dog seems constantly hungry or is gaining weight, you may need to reassess portions with your vet.

Can I change my Maltipoo’s food regularly?

Yes, but only if you transition gradually. Swapping foods too often or too quickly can upset their digestive system. Always give new food at least 7 days to phase in.

Is it okay to mix wet and dry dog food?

Absolutely. Many owners combine the two to balance taste, texture and nutritional value. Just be careful to adjust portion sizes so your dog doesn’t overeat.

Should I change how I feed my Maltipoo in winter or summer?

Possibly. Some dogs are less active in warmer months and may need fewer calories. In summer, offering moisture-rich food can also help support hydration.

Feeding your Maltipoo isn’t just about what goes in the bowl. It’s about protecting their health, supporting their energy and avoiding long-term issues linked to poor nutrition.

A tailored feeding plan that includes high-quality ingredients, breed-specific formulas and measured portions gives your Maltipoo the best chance at a long, happy life. Combined with regular vet advice, it’s one of the most effective ways to stay ahead of problems and help your dog thrive.

Because for small dogs with big personalities, the right nutrition is never a small decision.

This article was written by Dr Jack Ayerbe