10 Best Dog Foods for Maltipoo in 2024

Like many diverse breeds, Maltipoos were produced to be the best of both worlds. Bred from the Poodle and Maltese, these dogs are hypoallergenic, loving, and can even be easily trained — just like their parents.

But, do they need a diet like their Poodle or their Maltese ancestors? Good question. 

Here’s the best dog food for Maltipoos. 

I chose Wellness Small Breed Adult dry dog food as my favorite formula for Maltipoos.

It’s got the protein, fats, and nutrients that small pups need — without the fillers. 

But, there are also many other dog food brands for your dog as well. You’ll find the right dog food for your pooch, from high protein for active Maltipoos to formulas that help with dental care.

Our Top Picks for Maltipoos

• Best Overall – Wellness Small Breed Complete Health Adult Dog Food
• Best Budget – Diamond Naturals Small Breed Adult Dog Food
• Best Premium – My Ollie Fresh Chicken Dog Food
• Best for Puppies – Nutro Natural Choice Puppy Dog Food
• Best for Seniors – Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed Senior Dog Food
• Best for Active Maltipoos – AvoDerm Advanced Joint Health Dog Food
• Best for Sensitive Stomachs – Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Food
• Best Wet Food – Solid Gold Small & Toy Breed Wet Food
• Best for Weight Control – Purina Pro Plan Weight Management Dog Food
• Best for Dental Care – Merrick Lil’ Plates Freeze-Dried Raw Bite Dog Food

10 Best Dog Foods for Maltipoo Reviewed 

The dog formulas listed below follow the AAFCO nutrient profile guidelines. Please consult with your veterinarian before switching your Maltipoo’s food. 

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1 Wellness Small Breed Complete Health Adult Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Chicken Meal, Salmon Meal, Oatmeal, Ground Brown Rice
• Guaranteed Analysis: 28% Crude Protein, 15% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 11% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 408 kcal/cup
• Key Feature: Non-GMO dry dog food with taurine that’s formulated for small dogs 

This high-quality dog food is high in protein, contains probiotics, and is the best dog food for most adult Maltipoos.

As a quick note, it’s high in calories, offering 408 kcal/cup. While this will work well for active pups, it may be too much for stationary canines. 

With 15% Crude Fat, it provides energy and nourishment for small joints and muscles. Chicken fat and salmon oil make up most of this and provide omega fatty acids for coat health. 

While the food supplements probiotics for gut health, it also contains grains that are high in fiber. Oatmeal, ground brown rice, and barley provide prebiotics to keep digestion easy and nutrients like vitamin A for solid eyes. 

Dog owners say the food’s triangle shape helps clean their Maltipoo’s teeth, especially as they get older. But some say the food goes rancid quickly. 

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2 Diamond Naturals Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Cracked Pearled Barley, Ground White Rice, Grain Sorghum
• Guaranteed Analysis: 27% Crude Protein, 16% Crude Fat, 3% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 418 kcal/cup
• Key Feature: Wheat, corn, and soy-free budget-friendly dry dog food 

This small breed friendly dry dog food has a small kibble size and contains citrus for immune system support. 

This food contains 16% Crude Fat — slightly higher than what most small dogs need. But it supplements fats like flaxseed, chia seed, and coconut oil. These are full of omega-3s for joint health and coat shine. 

Oranges, blueberries, spinach, and papaya are packed with vitamin C and potassium. These boost your pup’s immune system and keep their bones strong.  

This food also contains probiotics to support gut health and clear your canine’s digestive system. 

Pet owners love the small kibble size and say even their pickiest dogs are excited about mealtime. But some say the chicken formula caused their dog to have dry skin. 

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3 My Ollie Chicken Recipe

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Carrots, Peas, Rice, Chicken Liver
• Guaranteed Analysis: 10% Crude Protein, 3% Crude Fat, 2% Crude Fiber, 73% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 1298 kcal ME/kg
• Key Feature: Minimally processed and high protein fresh dog food with human grade ingredients 

This brand offers human-grade ingredients and customizes your dog’s food to meet their caloric, protein, and fat needs. 

You’ll take a quiz and answer questions about your dog’s body composition and health goals to get started.

They offer four protein options, but their chicken recipe is one of the most popular. It provides over 40% Crude Protein when measured on a dry matter basis.

This formula does contain rice and potatoes, which may not work well for all dogs. But you can note allergies when taking Ollie’s quiz. 

While it contains high moisture content at 72% Moisture, it’s not a wet food. It’s fresh and gently cooked food. 

Pet parents appreciate and love the simple and human-grade ingredients in the food. But some say that food storage causes a lot of waste. 

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4 Nutro Natural Choice Puppy Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Barley, Brewers Rice, Whole Grain Brown Rice
• Guaranteed Analysis: 28% Crude Protein, 16% Crude Fat, 3% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 390 kcal/cup
• Key Feature: Non-GMO puppy dry dog food with DHA to support brain development

Chicken and chicken meal are the first two ingredients, providing 28% Crude Protein for growing muscles.

They also contain glucosamine and chondroitin — two crucial amino acids for muscle support and healthy joints. 

This dry dog food is higher in fat, offering 16% Crude Fat, which is essential for puppies. This fat content comes from fish oil and chia seeds — providing omega-3 fatty acids and DHA to support brain and eye development.

Dried pumpkin and dried kale provide antioxidants for a healthy immune system and prebiotic fiber for gentle digestion. This is excellent for small puppies since these systems need extra support until adulthood. 

Puppy moms and dads say even their pickiest pup loves it. But they think the kibble is too large for tinier canines and can cause fishy-smelling gas.

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5 Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Senior Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal
• Guaranteed Analysis: 23% Crude Protein, 13% Crude Fat, 6% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 370 kcal/cup
• Key Feature: Bite-sized dry dog food that’s high in glucosamine for senior Maltipoo

This formula offers a moderate protein and moderate fat diet for senior dogs with slower metabolisms. 

At just 370 kcal/cup, this kibble is on par with a Maltipoo’s daily caloric needs. 

While it’s lower in fat, offering 13% Crude Fat, it’s packed with omega fatty acids from flaxseed, chicken fat, and fish oil. And they also provide ARA and EPA, which can slow cognitive decline. 

Blueberries, cranberries, and turmeric provide nutrients that senior dogs need. This includes vitamin C for immune health, curcumin as an anti-inflammatory, and proanthocyanidins to flush out toxins and keep UTIs at bay. 

Dog parents say this food has improved their dog’s skin and coat, energy levels, and bowel movements. But some think the kibble is too dry for senior dogs to chew.  

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6 AvoDerm Advanced Joint Health Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Peas, Chicken Cartilage, Pea Flour, Garbanzo Beans
• Guaranteed Analysis: 30% Crude Protein, 12% Crude Fat, 6% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 368 kcal/cup
• Key Feature: Grain-free and high protein dry dog food with heart-healthy fats for highly active small breeds

This high-quality dog food is free of common allergens like grains and contains a unique ingredient — avocado — for healthy fats.  

Some veterinarians recommend avoiding avocado because too much can cause gastrointestinal upset. But this food offers in smaller portions to avoid tummy problems. 

The avocado and avocado oil added provide medium-chain fatty acids, which boost joint health and provide omega-6 acids for a shiny coat. 

For additional joint support, the food also provides flaxseed and chicken cartilage, which is high in glucosamine and chondroitin. This reinforces your dog’s cartilage to support flexibility and mobility. 

With 368 kcal/cup, this is also a moderate-calorie food option for active dogs. 

Dog moms and dads exclaim that this food is a godsend for highly active dogs and those with early signs of arthritis. But some say their pickier pup doesn’t like it. 

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7 Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small & Mini Breed Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Brewers Rice, Chicken Meal, Yellow Peas, Cracked Pearled Barley
• Guaranteed Analysis: 21% Crude Protein, 12% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 392 kcal/cup
• Key Feature: Dry dog food high in prebiotic fiber for small breeds with sensitive stomachs

This grain-inclusive formula has a small kibble size for tiny dogs and contains fiber to ease digestive issues. 

If your dog is allergic or sensitive to grains, this dry dog food will not work to fix their skin or stomach problems. It contains cracked pearled barley, brewers rice, and brown rice. 

But for most dogs, these gentle grains offer prebiotic fiber to add healthy bacteria to their digestive system and balance their microbiome. 

The 12% Crude Fat is lower than average, but this works well for dogs who have difficulty digesting their food. The lower fat content from flaxseed and soybean oil also keeps diarrhea at bay. 

Canine owners say this is the only food that doesn’t cause their dog to vomit, have loose stool, or be constipated. But some have a hard time feeding their pup unless they add broth or a topper. 

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8 Solid Gold Small & Toy Breed Wet Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Water, Chicken Liver, Dried Egg Whites
• Guaranteed Analysis: 7.5% Crude Protein, 3% Crude Fat, 1% Crude Fiber, 82% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 91 kcal/can
• Key Feature: Grain-free and pre-portioned wet dog food made for small breeds

This wet dog food comes in single serving sizes for small breeds. 

It contains 7.5% Crude Protein when measured on a wet matter basis — over 28% Crude Protein compared to kibble. 

The protein is provided by chicken, chicken liver, and egg whites. They also contain taurine and l-carnitine for heart and muscle health.  

Chickpeas and pumpkin offer grain-free carbohydrate sources for sensitive dogs. They also contain beta-carotene and zinc, aiding eye health and a healthy immune system. 

Maltipoo parents say the single serving size is perfect for their small dog. But some complain about the cans themselves, saying they aren’t sealed properly and can cause food to go bad. 

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9 Purina Pro PlanWeight Management Shredded Blend Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Rice, Whole Grain Corn, Poultry By-Product Meal, Corn Germ Meal
• Guaranteed Analysis: 27% Crude Protein, 9% Crude Fat, 5.5% Crude Fiber, 12% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 330 kcal/cup
• Key Feature: Low calorie and high protein dry dog food to support weight loss 

This low-calorie and low-fat formula is high in protein to keep dogs satiated and encourage weight loss.

Chicken, chicken by-product meal (from bones), and fish meal offer 27% Crude Protein. They also contain l-carnitine to boost metabolic function and chondroitin for strong cartilage. 

Whole-grain corn and wheat bran provide filling and complex carbohydrates to fill up your pup. And they’re packed with fiber to avoid loose stool or constipation. 

With just 330 kcal/cup, this food is lower in calories than most of the options on this list. But the ingredients and protein content can aid in weight loss without your dog feeling hungry. 

Dog owners love this food for dogs who need to lose weight or nutritional help managing their diabetes. But many complain that the food is crunchy and dry, so it may be hard for small dogs to eat.

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10 Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Raw Bites Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes
• Guaranteed Analysis: 38% Crude Protein, 17% Crude Fat, 3.5% Crude Fiber, 11% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 398 kcal/cup
• Key Feature: Dry dog food high in calcium and potassium for dental care

This dry dog food contains freeze-dried raw bits and inulin for better calcium absorption and to clean your dog’s teeth as they chew. 

Whitefish meal, sunflower oil, and salmon oil provide 12% Crude Fat, omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids and contain DHA. 

While this supports joint health, it keeps gums and teeth strong and can help your dog avoid periodontal disease.  

The supplemented probiotics aid a healthy digestive system and keep your dog regular. But they also keep harmful bacteria out of your dog’s mouth, improving dental health.

The freeze-dried shredded bits are softer to entice picky eaters to eat, and the regular kibble has curves to scrape off plaque and tartar. 

Pet parents say this food is picky eater approved and keeps their dog’s teeth and stomach happy. But many note that the food is on the premium side. 

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How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Maltipoo

Maltipoos need smaller kibble, moderate protein, and healthy fats to keep up with their daily activities. Here’s how to choose the best food for your dog.

Moderate Protein

Most Maltipoos do well on a moderate-protein diet. As a puppy, they’ll need the recommended amount of 22%. In adulthood, they’ll only need about 20%. 

23% to 25% should suffice if you have a more active pup. 

Luckily for Maltipoos, they thrive on many different proteins, including meats and meat meals, as well as soy and protein from peas and legumes. However, animal protein like deboned chicken or beef is ideal as a first or top 5 ingredient. 

Moderate Fat

Due to possible joint issues, fats should be in your Maltipoo diet. These support joints and keep your dog’s coat shiny, giving them extra energy.  

Fish or salmon oil, eggs, flaxseed oil, and animal fat (like beef or chicken) are great sources of hearty fats. They will also include glucosamine and chondroitin for joints. 

Complex Carbohydrates

Most dogs do well with carbohydrates. Complex carbs like oats, rice, and sweet potatoes help provide healthy fiber and prebiotics. Plus, they offer extra energy and help keep your pup full.   

Fiber

While fiber is important for digestion, it’s especially beneficial for dogs with sensitive tummies. If your Maltipoo has difficulty digesting their food or has constipation, there are ways to supplement their fiber content. 

All commercial dog foods have fiber, but your dog may need a bit more, and that’s okay. You can add some wet food to their kibble. Formulas with pumpkin, flaxseed, and oats are helpful.

Vitamins and Minerals

Dog food formulas already supplement vitamins and minerals, so there’s no need for your dog to take a multivitamin or anything extra. 

But, based on your Maltpoo’s health, you may want to offer a few more nutrients. Glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega fatty acids are all good options to supplement for small dogs like your pup with joint issues.

Ingredients to Avoid

Some commercial dog food manufacturers use additives to your dog’s kibble to lower their costs and make it last longer.

But in worst-case scenarios, these fillers can cause long-term health problems like kidney disease, heart issues, and even death. 

Avoiding any artificial colors, flavors, and artificial preservatives is the most helpful. Dyes, synthesized flavors, and both BHT and BHA can be toxic to dogs. 

But other fillers like wheat, corn, and soy can cause flare-ups for dogs with allergies. So these are important to avoid as well. 

What to Consider When Looking for Food for Maltipoos

Due to their more diminutive stature and long lifespans, Maltipoos need kibble to fit their specific needs. Here’s what to consider

Kibble Size

Maltipoos have small and compact jaws. Because of this, they require tiny kibble. It’s also helpful if the dry food has a slight curve, so it can scrape plaque and tartar off your pup’s teeth as they chew. 

Life Stage

Maltipoo puppies don’t reach true adulthood until about 12 months. Due to their growth, they’ll require puppy food for this time before switching to adult kibble. Also, you’ll want to talk to your vet about when to make the switch. 

Because they can live up to 15 years, Maltipoos don’t reach their senior years until about 10. At that point, you’ll want to switch from adult food to a senior formula. 

Activity Levels

Is your Maltipoo active, or do they prefer sitting in your lap all day? This will determine how much they should eat.

Sedentary Maltipoos need fewer calories, whereas highly active pups need more calories and healthy fats to boost their energy. 

Maltipoo Feeding Guide

Maltipoos are like their Poodle parents. They can be tiny at an average of 5 pounds when fully grown or a small-medium size at 20 pounds. 

However, unlike their ancestors, they can gain weight easily. Here’s how to feed your Maltipoo. 

Puppies

Maltipoo puppies grow fast. In fact, they reach maturity at around 10 to 12 months old. Because of their accelerated growth, they’ll need a higher-calorie diet. 

Your youngster will need around 350 to 550 calories daily, depending on weight. On average, a Maltipoo puppy will need about 50 calories per pound that they weigh. These calories should be split between three meals to encourage consistent growth. 

And, your dog’s food should be formulated for puppies. This will provide the nutrients that they need to grow strong and healthy. 

Adults

Once full-grown, your Maltipoo will weigh anywhere between 6 and 20 pounds on average. The easiest way to calculate how many calories to feed them would be to multiply their weight in pounds by 35. 

For example, a 10-pound Maltipoo will need about 350 calories daily to sustain its lifestyle. 

This will also depend on how active your Maltipoo is, if you’re feeding wet or dry dog food, and the food itself. You may need to adjust the calories to find the perfect amount for your furry friend. 

No matter what, you should feed your adult dog no less than twice a day. This helps regulate digestion and avoid gas buildup. 

Seniors

Just like with most seniors, Maltipoos slow down as they get older. Because of this, lowering your dog’s daily calories is essential. Aim for about 30 calories per pound of weight. 

This means a 10-pound Maltipoo will eat about 300 calories a day.

Of course, avoid free feeding and stick to two meals a day. 

Daily Amount of Food 

Be sure to read the feeding instructions on the dog food you choose — they have a chart on how much to feed your canine based on their age and weight. But for most Maltipoos, here’s how much food they need. 

Age	Serving Size
Under 3 Months	¼-½ cups, supplemented by mother’s milk
3 Months – 4 Months	½ cup
4 Months – 6 Months	1 cup
6 Months – 1 Year	1-2 cups
1 Year – 5 Years	1 ½-2 cups
6+ Years	1-1 ½ cups

Dry vs. Wet Dog Food

The answer to this question will depend on the individual needs of your pup. But typically, Maltipoos do well with both wet and dry food and a mixture of both. 

Dry dog food is usually more budget-friendly and can also clean teeth naturally. Wet food is safer when serving more raw meats. But, it can also cause runny poops, which no one wants. 

If your Maltipoo is a picky eater, the best course to take is a bit of kibble mixed with a spoonful or two of wet. That way, they can get the benefits of both. 

Grain vs. Grain-free Dog Food

Maltipoos can handle grains like most dog breeds. And these carbohydrates play an essential part in their diet since they provide vitamins and minerals, along with fiber for digestion. 

Your Maltipoo should only eat a grain-free recipe if necessary due to allergies or sensitivities. For some dogs’ allergies to grain, soy, and corn can impact their health.

But before switching to grain-free food, talk to your vet so they can confirm your pup’s allergies. 

Common Maltipoo Health Issues 

Since Maltipoos are a mix between Maltese and Poodles, they’re considered strong and don’t typically have any major health concerns. But, there are a few minor health problems to keep in mind. 

Obesity 

Like Maltese, Maltipoos can gain weight if they aren’t active or eating within their calorie limit. 

Yet, obesity is preventable and avoidable if they have the proper nutrition. Be sure to measure their food correctly and feed them the recommended two times a day.  

Also, remember to keep them active, taking daily walks or doing another exercise for at least 30 minutes a day. 

Sensitive Stomachs

Did you know that dogs have naturally stretchy stomachs? But, even with fairly easy going tummies, some dogs can be affected by the foods they eat. 

There is no known cause for a sensitive stomach, and the condition can pop up anytime. But, worms, bacterial infections, enteropathies, and even food allergies can affect how your dog feels. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and even itchy skin after eating. 

Avoiding dog foods with too many ingredients for dogs with sensitive stomachs is important. Examples include those with food allergies like wheat, soy, and corn. And wet dog food can be helpful as well, coating the stomach and offering good bacteria to the gut. 

Dental Issues

Like other small breeds, Maltipoos are prone to dental decay. This usually happens due to lack of care, so it’s especially important to brush your dog’s teeth daily (if possible).

If not taken care of, tartar builds up on the teeth, causing tooth decay, infections, and more. 

Regular brushing and dry dog food can help clean your pup’s teeth. When the kibble is gnawed on, it scrapes the teeth and naturally brushes them. Plus, many commercial foods include vitamin D and calcium, helping to fortify strong teeth. 

Joint Issues

Joint issues like luxating patellas (when the knees displace) are common amongst older Maltipoos. While these issues aren’t completely avoidable, there are a few tips that can help. 

For one, early detection is key. If you notice your dog limping or seemingly in pain, get them checked out by your veterinarian.

Another important component is a diet high in omega fatty acids, glucosamine, and antioxidants. These additives help lubricate and protect the joints, allowing them to thrive even with age. And of course, regular exercise is essential as well. 

Eye Diseases

Vision loss and blindness can be common amongst senior Maltipoos. While this isn’t completely avoidable, it’s possible to help your pup keep its eyesight for as long as possible. 

For example, glaucoma can be treated if caught early enough. So regular visits to the vet can keep your dog’s vision safe. If not caught early enough, glaucoma can also be extremely painful, so early detection is key. 

Alongside yearly checkups, be sure to feed wholesome dog food to your friend. Foods high in antioxidants, vitamin A, vitamin C, and even fatty acids can benefit their eye health. 

Our Verdict

Maltipoos are adorable and easy-to-maintain small breed dogs. But they still need essential vitamins and minerals to keep their bodies healthy and happy. 

Wellness Small Breed Complete Health is the best food.

First, it provides a well-balanced formula, and second, it offers extra benefits — like antioxidants — for immune support.

The other brands on this list can also offer the support your Maltipoo needs to live their best life. No choice is a wrong choice from this list!