20 Best Maltipoo Dog Foods for Puppies, Adults & Seniors

Maltipoos are a designer breed that or a cross between a Maltese and either a Miniature or Toy Poodle. Popular kennel clubs recognize Maltese and both Poodle breeds, but they do not accept the adorable crossbreed the two produce. The fact that they do not recognize Maltipoos as an official breed does not mean that they are any less special than their purebred parents, though.

The breed is fast becoming a favorite around the world. Maltipoos come in many colors and sizes. However, they generally range from 5 to 15 pounds, and their coats are usually a combination of one or more colors, including gray, white, chocolate, tan, and silver. Their noses can also be different colors, but they are usually brown or black.

One of the reasons these fur babies are so popular is that they shed very little hair. Maltese puppies usually have long fur. However, when one parent is a Poodle, the result is a coat that is medium length. Some people believe Maltipoos are ‘hypoallergenic.’ Unfortunately, that is a misconception. However, they are a more allergy-friendly option because they do not shed as much as other breeds.

Whether you are a new Maltipoo owner, considering adding one of these fantastic pets to your family, or you want to make sure you are taking the best possible care of your furbaby, you have to know the best food to feed them. Feeding your Maltipoo a high-quality diet helps them to stay healthy throughout their life.

It also helps to prevent allergies that both Maltese and Poodle breeds are prone to, which cause major skin issues.

Our Favorite (Also, the Most Expensive)

When it comes to selecting the best option for a Maltipoo, I challenged myself to answer one simple question.

If we could choose any food for my dog, regardless of price…

What Would We Feed Our Maltipoo?

The Answer: NomNom Chicken Chow

Why We Like it

• Human-Grade Food
• Fruits & Vegetables
• Ingredients You Can Identify

First 5 Ingredients: Diced Chicken, Sweet Potatoes, Yellow Squash, Spinach, Sunflower Oil

While we would love to recommend a dry pet food that has a long shelf life, there are simply no options that provide pets the high-quality ingredients that a fresh option like Tylee’s does.

It is reassuring that you can identify the ingredients found in NomNom recipes. As people who view furry companions as family members, we like that the company uses human-grade food. NomNom  also follows AAFCO recommendations for nutrition, so you know your pet is getting everything they need.

The chicken recipe is excellent for a small Maltipoo because it is easy to digest. Plus, it is suitable for dogs at all stages of life and all sizes, so it is perfect if you are feeding more than one breed.

8 More Great Foods for Healthy Dogs

Best Dry – American Journey Salmon and Sweet Potato Recipe

Why We Like it

• Formula Boosts Immunity
• Fish and Poultry Recipe
• DHA and Omega Fatty Acids Included

First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Peas, and Sweet Potatoes

American Journey offers an excellent assortment of dry food options. However, the American Journey Salmon and Sweet Potato recipe is perfect for your Maltipoo. It is free of many ingredients like grain, cornmeal, and by-products that your pet could be allergic to without you even knowing.

The formula also has an array of vegetables, vitamins, and minerals to help your pet have a beautiful coat and stay healthy. However, each recipe contains different ingredients. So, there are plenty of options to appeal to dogs with differing tastes.

Best Wet – Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Itsy Bitsy Beef Stew Plates

Why We Like it

• High-Quality Ingredients
• Small Bites
• Convenient Individual Serving Sizes

First 5 Ingredients: Beef, Beef Broth, Venison Broth, Beef Liver, Dried Eggs

The Itsy Bitsy Beef Stew Plates by Merrick are a favorite for Maltipoos and their human parents. We love that they come in convenient serving containers and the ingredients support health and longevity.

Each of the formulas meets the strict standards outlined in the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles, so you know you are giving your pup the proper nutrition.

When you open the container, the contents have a fresh look, and dogs enjoy these meals as a complement to their everyday dry food diet.

Most Popular – Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Why We Like it

• Grain-Free Recipe
• Small Bites
• Only High-Quality Ingredients

First 5 Ingredients: Venison, Lamb Meal, Garbanzo Beans, Peas, Lentils

Taste of the Wild offers unique options for pets of all sizes, ages, and breeds. However, the Appalachian Valley Small Breed Grain-Free recipe is perfect for Maltipoos. It gives them all the nutrition they need with small bites that are easy to chew and delicious.

Getting them to eat their food is easy when you feed them Taste of the Wild for small breeds. Plus, this dry food has ingredients like peas, chickpeas, eggs, tomatoes, raspberries, and blueberries, which is excellent for giving your pet a well-balanced diet.

Best Value – Nutro Wholesome Essentials Small Bites Adult Lamb and Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food 

Why We Like it

• Small Bites
• Wholesome Ingredients
• #1 Ingredient is Lamb

First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Lamb, Chicken Meal, Brewer’s Rice, Whole Brown Rice, Whole Grain Sorghum

If you are looking for a value dog food brand, Nutro Wholesome Essentials Small Bites Adult Lamb and Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food is a good option. It does not offer the same high-quality nutrition of some of the other brands we suggest. However, it is a budget-friendly option that still provides adequate nutrition and the small bites that Maltipoos need.

Best Grain-Free – Instinct Raw Boost Small Breed Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken & Freeze-Dried Raw Pieces 

Why We Like it

• Grain-Free Recipe
• Raw Freeze-Dried Pieces
• Made for Small Breeds

First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Chickpeas, Tapioca, Chicken Fat

Instinct Raw Boost for small breeds is made for small dogs. It is a grain-free recipe with small kibble bites and freeze-dried raw bits to give your dog a boost. The fresh bites mean there is a higher content of nutrients. Plus, the first ingredient is high-quality cage-free chicken meat, and there are no harmful ingredients like chicken by-product, grain, corn, wheat, artificial colors, or preservatives.

It is high in protein, and it contains probiotics and omega fatty acids to support your pet’s digestive health. We also like that this food is made in the U.S.A.

Best Super Premium – Ziwi Peak Beef Air-Dried Dog Food

Why We Like it

• High Meat Content
• Grain-Free Recipe
• No Artificial Colors, Antibiotics, Preservatives, or Fillers

First 5 Ingredients: Beef, Beef Heart, Beef Kidney, Beef Tripe, Beef Liver

The Ziwi Beef Air-Dried Dog Food is an ideal option for your Maltipoo. It is truly one of the best options on the market because it is easy to feed to your pet, contains only whole, high-quality ingredients, and is free of harmful additives.

You can feed it as is, or if you want to improve your pet’s hydration, you can add water. Dogs enjoy it because it is closer to what they would eat in the wild, and as pet owners, we appreciate that it is simple and easy to use.

Honorable Mentions

Now Fresh Grain-Free Small Breed Adult Recipe Dry Dog Food

Why We Like it

• High-Quality Meat
• 15+ Fruits and Vegetables
• No By-Product or Meat Meal

First 5 Ingredients: De-Boned Turkey, Whole Dried Egg, Peas, Pea Flower, Potatoes

Now Fresh offers a complex formula of high-grade ingredients for small dogs in their grain-free recipe. The recipe includes de-boned turkey, duck, and salmon. We love that this recipe uses no bone or meat meal. It also complies with the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrition Profiles, which gives peace of mind. Pets like it too, which makes us happy as dog owners.

Stella & Chewy’s Lil’ SuperBlends Small Breed Cage-Free Chicken Recipe Meal Mixers Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food Topper

Why We Like it

• Cage-Free Chicken
• Made in the U.S.A.
• Organic Fruits and Vegetables

First 5 Ingredients: Chicken with Ground Bone, Chicken Liver, Chicken Gizzard, Organic Bananas, Organic Blueberries

Stella & Chewy’s offers an incredible line of specialty dog foods, including raw recipes and dog food toppers. It is a great way to give your pet a little extra from time to time.
All of the formulas use high-quality ingredients, and they are made in the U.S.A. Stella and Chewy’s chicken recipe is perfect for your Maltipoo because the bites are small. Plus, it gives extra nutrients to your pet if you typically give them dry food.

4 Foods for Maltipoos with Diet Restrictions

Best Raw – Darwin Natural Selections Chicken

Why We Like it

• Pre-Packaged Meals
• High-Protein
• High-Quality Real Chicken

First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Meat, Chicken Necks (including bone), Chicken Gizzards, Chicken Livers, Chicken Hearts

Darwin Natural Selections Chicken is a high-quality dog food that comes in pre-packaged meals that are the perfect portion for your pet. When you visit the site, you enter the information about your pet so you are sent the correct meals. Each meal is high in protein and free of cheap fillers, so you know your Maltipoo is getting the best food to support their health.

All of the meat in Darwin’s Natural Selections line is free-range and the vegetables are organic. Plus, these meals contain better quality ingredients like romaine lettuce, squash, and zucchini. Unlike other brands, Darwin does not use peas and legumes that can cause health problems.

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

Why We Like it

• Promotes Lean Muscle
• DHA for Improved Brain Function
• High in Protein

First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Tapioca, Menhaden Fish Meal

Instinct’s weight management formula offers a high-quality option for pets who are packing a few extra pounds. It is easy to feed your pet, and unlike some other weight control formulas, your Maltipoo will enjoy eating it.

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

Why We Like it

• No Legumes
• Few Ingredients
• High-Protein Formula

First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Oatmeal, Turkey Meal, Brown Rice, Ground Grain Sorghum

The American Natural’s Legume-Free Formula does not just replace legumes for other ingredients that are low in nutrients. The recipe is full of protein and other vital components that help support your pet’s health. So, it is perfect if you want to stay away from legumes that can be harmful to some dogs.

Best for Skin Allergies –Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Lamb Dog Food

Why We Like it

• High-Quality Meat
• Free of Legumes and Grain
• High Protein Formula

First 5 Ingredients: Lamb, Lamb Heart, Lamb Tripe, Lamb Kidney, Lamb Lung

When your pet has skin allergies, it is important to support them by giving them a diet free of allergens.  Ziwi’s lamb formula is perfect for your Maltipoo if they suffer from grain, poultry, beef, or legume allergies.

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

Why We Like it

• Supports Gut Health
• Made in the U.S.A.
• Includes Prebiotic Fiber

First 5 Ingredients: Salmon, Ocean Fish Meal, Chickpeas, Lentils, Peas

Vets have trusted Solid Gold for years. So, when it comes to feeding your pet with health concerns, it is an option you can feel confident giving to your furry friend. The sensitive stomach formula includes ingredients that help to prevent stomach issues before they arise.

Best Puppy Food for Maltipoos

Maltipoo puppies are small, and their teeth are still developing. So, you need to feed your puppy a food that supports their growth and something easy for them to chew.

	Solid Gold Love at First Bark Chicken, Potatoes, and Apples Made with high-protein chicken and chicken liver Supports a strong immune system and healthy bone growth with superfoods like pumpkin, spinach, cranberries, and blueberries Price: $0.19/oz	CHECK PRICE
	Stella & Chewy’s Perfectly Puppy Chicken & Salmon Dinner Patties Freeze-Dried Dog Food Made with 95% cage-free poultry, organs and safely grounded bone Grain-free, all-natural and minimally-processed Price:  $2.08/oz	CHECK PRICE
	Nulo Freestyle Limited+ Turkey Recipe Grain-Free Puppy & Adult Dry Dog Food Single animal protein formula has turkey as the first ingredient Provides 30% crude protein plus essential nutrients for a complete and balanced diet Price: $3.45/lb	CHECK PRICE

Solid Gold Love at First Bark Chicken, Potatoes, and Apples Puppy Recipe Grain-Free Canned Dog Food

Why We Like it

• High-Quality Meat
• Specially Formulated to Support Growing Puppies
• No Artificial Colors or Preservatives

First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Potatoes, Whole Dried Eggs, Dried Ground Peas

Solid Gold’s puppy formula is a high protein option that supports your puppy’s growth and health. During the first few months of your new pet’s life, their diet is crucial, and the Solid Gold canned food gives them the nutrients they need to develop correctly.

Stella & Chewy’s Perfectly Puppy Chicken & Salmon Dinner Patties Freeze-Dried Dog Food

Why We Like it

• Raw Diet
• High-Quality Ingredients
• HIgh-Protein Content

First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Salmon with Ground Bone, Chicken Liver, Chicken Gizzard, Pumpkin Seed

Stella & Chewy’s Perfectly Puppy  is an excellent option for transitioning your puppy from formula or wet food. The patties are made of raw freeze-dried food. You simply rehydrate them with water, wait about 15 minutes, and then feed them to your Maltipoo.

Nulo Freestyle Limited+ Turkey Recipe Grain-Free Puppy & Adult Dry Dog Food

Why We Like it

• Non-GMO
• High-Protein Formula
• Grain-Free

First 5 Ingredients: Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chickpeas, Sweet Potatoes, Canola Oil

You can start feeding your puppy Nulo’s when they reach 6 weeks until they are an adult.. It contains a formula that is appropriate for puppies and adult dogs. So, it is a great way to start your pet off on a high-quality diet from the time they are able to start eating dry food.

Best Senior Food for Maltipoo Dogs

Your senior Maltipoo has different dietary needs than a puppy. As your dog ages, they do not need as much fat in their diet, but they do require more protein. Choosing the right food for your pet at all stages of life can help them live longer.

Nutro Ultra Small Breed Senior Dry Dog Food

Why We Like it

• #1 Ingredient is Real Chicken
• Fruits & Vegetables
• Made with Non-GMO Ingredients

First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Rice Bran

Nutro is full of high-quality ingredients that support your aging pet, and it is free of elements that can upset your older Maltipoo’s stomach. It is also lower in fat. However, it is packed with nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables.

Canidae Grain-Free PURE Senior Real Chicken, Sweet Potato & Garbanzo Bean Recipe Dry Dog Food

Why We Like it

• High-Quality Meat
• Contains No Artificial Colors, Preservatives, or Flavors
• Made in Texas

First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Garbanzo Beans

Canidae has been making high-grade pet food since 1996. The company makes each recipe with your pet in mind. The senior recipe is a great way to support your pet as they age with all of the vitamins and minerals they need while still giving them food they enjoy eating.

Holistic Select Senior Health Chicken Meal & Lentils Recipe Dry Dog Food

Why I Like it

• Contains Probiotics and Prebiotics
• Formulated for Senior Dogs
• Made in the U.S.A.

First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Chickpeas, Peas, Lentils, Dried Ground Potatoes

Senior dogs have specific dietary needs and the Select Senior Health formula is perfect for your aging Maltipoo. It is easy on your dogs stomach and it contains prebiotics and probiotics that help to keep them healthy and feeling great.

What to Look for in a Good Dog Food

• High-Quality Meat
• A Variety Ingredients to Support a Balanced Diet
• Compliant with the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrition Profiles
• Free of Fillers, Grain, By-Product Meal

Unfortunately, the pet food industry is not highly regulated. A lot of the ingredients that go into some brands would shock and outrage you. So, as a pet owner, it is imperative to be vigilant about the food you feed your pet.

Many of the brands that say they are pet-friendly are misleading. They contain ingredients that you would never think of giving to an animal, and some foods can even be dangerous just to handle.

Pets deserve better. Plus, there are specific requirements that Maltipoos need. Each breed is different; they have various health concerns, sizes, and dietary needs. So, you want to give your Maltipoo food that best supports them.

Feeding your pet quality food can extend their life by years. Some pet owners even find that by switching an older dog’s diet to a healthier option that they can give their beloved family member a new lease on life even after they have had health problems in the past.

So, when you are searching for the perfect pet food, you need to make sure you purchase something with as many real ingredients as possible. Fillers and by-products give your pet the feeling of being full but offer little to no nutrition. Some of these ingredients are even harmful.

You also want to take into consideration any health problems your pet might have. By considering your pet’s health, you can decide what ingredients you need to avoid and what you want to make sure you are feeding your dog.

Buying food that complies with the AAFCO Dog Nutrition Profiles is one of the best ways that you can make sure your pet is receiving the proper nutrition. You can always check to see if the food you are interested in complies by looking on the back. However, all of the recommendations on our list comply.

Ingredients to Avoid

• Grain
• Whole Legumes
• Meat By-products
• Bone Meal
• Antibiotics

The ingredients above are not the best for your pet. It is challenging to find foods that are free from all of the above, though. However, if you have to feed your pet any of these undesirable ingredients, make sure they do not make up the bulk of the recipe you choose.

The first five ingredients of all dog foods are the most important. You should avoid animal by-products and antibiotics altogether, and if your pet is allergic to anything, make sure you feed them an option free of any allergens.

How Much to Feed Maltipoos

Puppy Diet & Feeding Chart

Average Weight = ½ Cup per Feeding

When your puppy is young, it is essential to feed them several times per day. Each time you feed your Maltipoo, you will want to give them a ½ cup of food. Ideally, for the first few months, you should try to feed them ½ cup 4 times per day.

Adult Diet & Feeding Chart

Average Weight = 1 Cup

As your puppy grows into an adult, you need to start feeding them more, but you do not need to feed them as frequently. You can increase the amount of food they eat at each meal to 1 cup and feed them 3 times per day. If you can’t feed your pet 3 times each day, feed them twice daily and give them an extra ½ cup at each feeding.

Senior Diet & Feeding Chart

Average Weight = 1 Cup

You still need to feed your older Maltipoo at least a cup of food two to three times per day. However, you might want to switch to a senior diet later in life. Senior diets typically have less fat to promote a healthy weight in your dog. Your dog will be less active as they age, so they do not need as much protein and fat.

Common Health Problems for a Maltipoo

Epilepsy

Colitis is a significant concern for Maltipoos. It is caused by inflammation in the colon lining. Colitis is extremely painful for your pet. So, it is essential to make sure you feed your pet a diet that helps to prevent this condition. A high-fiber diet is beneficial, and you also need to make sure your pet always has access to plenty of water.

There are times when this condition is out of your control, but with proper nutrition and hydration, you reduce the risk to your Maltipoo. You also help to alleviate this condition if your pet does suffer from it by doing these two things. If diet and hydration do not work, your vet might suggest other medications or treatments for your pet.

Tiny Mouth Syndrome

Maltipoos can suffer from a condition called “tiny mouth syndrome” that prevents all of their teeth from coming in correctly. The condition can cause them problems with eating. So, it is vital to feed your Maltipoo kibble that is small enough for them to chew.

This condition can also lead to tartar buildup. Oral care is extremely important for your pet because poor oral hygiene can lead to heart problems. To prevent this, it is a good idea to feed your pet at least a partial dry food diet. Dry food helps to keep your pet’s teeth clean. Your vet might also need to remove some of the teeth to allow your pet to eat properly.

Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)

All small dog breeds are susceptible to hypoglycemia or low blood sugar, and it can lead to significant complications if left untreated. The trouble comes when your pet’s blood sugar drops to the point where they can lose consciousness. If your Maltipoo suffers from this condition, your vet might suggest a calorie supplement or tell you to feed your pet several times a day to prevent their blood sugar from dropping too low.

Hypoglycemia can also lead to seizures. Many vets suggest giving your pet a supplement called Nutri-Cal for emergencies. If you start to notice that your pet is acting funny, you can give them some of this supplement to help raise their blood sugar, and then you need to get them to the vet as quickly as possible so they can treat them further.

A word about Canine DCM

Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy or DCM is a condition that restricts the function of your pet’s heart, and it can cause decreased blood flow and heart failure. It can be a concern when you feed your dog grain-free food. The FDA recently investigated cases where dog breeds that do not typically suffer from this condition were diagnosed with the disease. The findings show that dogs who had the disease were being fed a grain-free pet food for some time.

The studies show the majority of the dogs diagnosed with DCM were eating a grain-free recipe that was high in several other ingredients, including legumes (lentils, chickpeas, peas) and potatoes. These ingredients are probably not harmful in small amounts, but when manufacturers are replacing cheap grain fillers with these ingredients, it can be detrimental.

Dogs need a balanced diet that is high in protein, mainly form meat. While some fruits and vegetables offer health benefits, it is crucial that they are not the main ingredients. The FDA is not saying that dog food should contain no legumes or potatoes. They do recommend that you not feed your pet foods where those ingredients make up the bulk of the recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I feed my Maltipoo? What’s the correct schedule?

The frequency that you feed your Maltipoo depends on the age and size of your pet. If you have a puppy, you will need to feed them more frequently, but no less than 3 to 4 times per day. Once they are full-grown, you can feed them one or two fewer meals per day, but you need to feed them more substantial portions as they reach adulthood.

It is good to feed your puppy every few hours throughout the day and a meal before you go to bed. Doing that helps to prevent your puppy from having low blood sugar. As they grow older, feed them at least once in the morning and once at night. You can also supplement your pet’s diet with treats occasionally.

Is grain-free dog food bad for Maltipoos?

Grain-free food is not bad for Maltipoos, but you have to be careful of the ingredients that are in any food you feed your pet. Grain is a significant ingredient in most dog foods because it is inexpensive. Dog food companies use it so they can make more money by selling their product.

In the wild, dogs would only eat grain as a last resort, and you want to feed your pet a diet that is close to what they would eat in the wild. However, you also want to be careful of other filler ingredients like peas, potatoes, and rice.

It is best to stick with a food option that is rich in meat protein and uses other ingredients to support the health of your pet.

How do I transition my BREED from one dog food to another?

Transitioning your pet from one food to another needs to be done over several days. If you suddenly change their diet, it can cause an upset stomach and other health problems. You can start by giving your Maltipoo a ⅕ of the new food and ⅘ of the old diet. Each day over the next 5 days, change the proportion by ⅕ until they are eating only the new food.

What is the Dog Food for Maltipoos? – RECAP

1. NomNom Chicken Chow – Hands-Down Favorite
2. Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food – Most Popular
3. Nutro Wholesome Essentials Small Bites Adult Lamb and Rice Recipe Dry God Food – Best Value
4. American Journey Salmon and Sweet Potato Recipe – Best Dry
5. Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Itsy Bitsy Beef Stew Plates – Best Wet
6. Stella & Chewy’s Perfectly Puppy Chicken & Salmon Dinner Patties Freeze-Dried Dog Food – Best for Puppies
7. Canidae Grain-Free PURE Senior Real Chicken, Sweet Potatoe & Garbanzo Bean Recipe Dry Dog Food – Best for Seniors

Conclusion

Feeding your Maltipoo a high-quality diet is essential. It is one of the best ways for you to improve your pet’s quality of life and help them to live longer. So, investing in the best option is well worth the money if you care about the strength, wellbeing, and longevity of your beloved canine companion.