What to feed a Maltipoo dog: the best foods

If you're dreaming of getting a Maltipoo, we'll tell you what's best for feeding your pet, which top-quality dog ​​food brands to consider, and what problems can arise from improper feeding.

Breed characteristics

Maltipoo – a decorative designer breed, bred by crossing a Maltese lapdog and a miniature poodle.

Although Maltipoos come in peach, brown, blue, and black colors, the most popular is the snow-white shade.

If you dream of getting a white Maltipoo, you should keep in mind that such a pet will require special care, because:

• any dirt is immediately visible on the luxurious snow-white fur;
• When in contact with certain types of food, the white fur on the face may become stained, which requires special care in selecting food for Maltipoo;
• Owners need to ensure that their pet's eyes do not run, otherwise unsightly dark spots will form in the corners, which are difficult to get rid of;
• The white fur on the pet's face can also acquire a pinkish tint due to porphyrin contained in the saliva;
• The Maltipoo's coat requires special care and regular trimming (this parameter is the same for representatives of the breed of all colors)

Basic rules for feeding a Maltipoo

Regardless of what you decide to feed your Maltipoo (natural food or prepared food), breeders and veterinarians recommend following these guidelines:

1. Feed your pet only high-quality fresh food.
2. Never feed your dog human food. Our dishes contain too many spices and salt, making them harmful to your dog's digestive tract.
3. Avoid feeding your dog flour or baked goods. Maltipoos are prone to weight gain.
4. Remember that dogs of any breed should absolutely not be given chocolate, raw, unfrozen meat and fish (especially river fish), hard cheeses, sausages and smoked meats, mushrooms, nuts, or bones that splinter into sharp pieces.
5. When calculating the daily ration, take into account both the main portion and the foods that the dog will receive as treats during training.

Feeding a puppy

The number of feedings depends on the dog's age. A puppy aged 1-2 months should be fed up to 7 times a day (every 3 hours with a longer break at night).

At this age, the natural diet should consist of:

• high-quality heat-treated and minced turkey or beef;
• cereals (rice or buckwheat);
• natural fermented milk products (kefir, cottage cheese);
• vegetables (carrots are introduced into the diet at 1-2 months);
• chicken or quail eggs (one chicken egg is given every other day);
• fish oil as a vitamin supplement.

Also, when feeding natural food, you can supplement your puppy’s food with vitamin and mineral complexes.

If you're looking for commercial food for your Maltipoo puppy, choose the Starter Premium or Super Premium series, which offer the highest nutritional content and small kibble that softens easily in any liquid. It's recommended to feed puppies aged 1-1.5 months softened food, gradually transitioning to dry food by 2 months.

At approximately 2 months, when your puppy begins eating Starter food on its own, you can introduce Puppy kibble from the same manufacturer. Mix the new food with the regular food over several days, gradually increasing the percentage of the new food and decreasing the amount of the regular food.

Important! If you plan to feed your puppy dry food on a regular basis, make sure your puppy has access to a water bowl 24/7.

Starting from 2 months, the number of feedings is gradually reduced, following approximately the following scheme:

• at 2 months – 7 times a day;
• at 4 months – 5 times a day;
• at 6 months – 4 times a day;
• at 7 months – 3 times a day;
• from 8 months – 2 times a day.

The daily amount of food your dog needs can be calculated using the charts on the food packaging. The best food manufacturers provide guidelines based not only on the puppy's weight, but also on its body condition and activity level.

Part of the dry food (1 feeding) can be replaced with soft food (pâté, canned food, or pouches). It is recommended to choose dry and soft food from the same manufacturer when formulating your dog's diet.

Feeding an adult dog

When your pet turns one year old, it needs to be transferred from a baby food to an adult food.

What can you feed a Maltipoo? There are many dietary options, each with its own benefits and specific considerations. We'll let you decide for yourself or in consultation with your veterinarian which feeding option is right for you and your pet.

Popular options:

• natural feeding (do not confuse with table feeding, which is extremely dangerous for animals!);
• raw food diet (the diet consists of raw meat after deep freezing and fresh vegetables);
• ready-made diets (dry and wet food from trusted manufacturers).

From around 8 years of age, your pet's diet should be reviewed, as after this age, animals' activity often declines, and various age-related diseases begin to appear, requiring a special approach to nutrition.

Features of food for white dogs

Owners of white Maltipoos often prefer specialized lines of food.

Among the features inherent in these lines are:

• high quality ingredients ensure proper metabolism in the animal, which prevents the formation of colored tan marks in the muzzle and belly area;
• hypoallergenic composition that prevents tearing and skin rashes;
• the absence of natural components that can stain wool upon contact;
• absence of any dyes and preservatives;
• the presence of special components that reduce the level of porphyrin in saliva and eye secretions.

Not all manufacturers offer special lines for white Maltipoos, as the production of such food is more complex. Naturally, the price of a specialized diet will be significantly higher than that of a high-quality standard food. However, breeder reviews confirm that the White Dogs line helps them maintain their pets' perfectly white coats.

Top 10 Best Dry Foods for Maltipoos

Based on reviews from veterinarians and breeders, we've compiled a list of the top manufacturers of high-quality dry food. Any of these brands can be used to feed your dog permanently, as many offer lines for puppies 1-2 months old and puppy food up to 8 months, as well as special foods for white and senior dogs, and veterinary-specific diets.

Brit

All varieties of Brit dry food are produced in factories located in the Czech Republic. Official imports of this brand of food into Russia have been temporarily suspended, but it is still available for sale, which is why many breeders take advantage of this opportunity.

Farmina N&D

Farmina pet food production facilities are located in Italy, Brazil, and Serbia. You can find out where the food was produced by checking the manufacturer's information on the packaging.

Royal Canin

The most famous domestic manufacturer of dry and wet pet food, whose products are widely represented on the global market.

For Maltipoo dogs, we recommend a specialized line of food for Shih Tzu, containing special ingredients for beautiful and silky fur.

For white representatives of the breed, Royal Canin White Dog food is the ideal choice.

Monge

Monge dog food (also sometimes called Monge or Mongi) is produced in Italy. The line is highly popular with breeders and receives high marks from veterinarians.

Purina Pro Plan

Pro-Plan series pet foods are very popular in many European countries. Breeders primarily appreciate them for their high-quality ingredients, wide range of flavors, and specialized veterinary diets.

Nature's Protection

Another excellent domestic food, the line of which includes a specialized series for owners of white fur.

NATURAL Greatness

This food is produced in Russia and is considered hypoallergenic due to its special formula and low grain content or complete absence of grains.

 

Read also:

• What to feed a Corgi: the best dog food
• Food for dogs with sensitive digestion
• Medicinal dog food for various diseases