Quick answer
The best raw dog food for Maltese dogs is Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties (Chicken). It offers balanced nutrition, small patties easy for tiny mouths, and high-quality protein. For a budget-friendly option, try Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost Mixers. If your Maltese has a sensitive stomach, Primal Freeze-Dried Nuggets (Turkey) is a great alternative.
What to consider for Raw Dog Food For Maltese Dogs
Maltese dogs are small (4 to 7 pounds) and prone to dental issues, sensitive stomachs, and allergies. Raw food should be easy to chew and digest, with high-quality protein and limited ingredients. Look for formulas that support skin and coat health, as Maltese often have sensitive skin. Also, ensure the food is complete and balanced for small breeds or all life stages, with appropriate calorie density to prevent obesity.
What to look for in a dog food
Choose a raw dog food that states it is complete and balanced by AAFCO for your dog’s life stage. The first ingredient should be a named meat (e.g., chicken, turkey). Protein should be moderate to high (around 30 to 40% on a dry matter basis), fat around 15 to 25%, and calories around 350 to 450 kcal per cup (for freeze-dried). For Maltese, small kibble or patty size is important. Look for added omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health, and glucosamine for joint support. Avoid foods with excessive fillers or artificial additives.
How we chose these picks
- Evaluated ingredient quality and AAFCO nutritional adequacy statements.
- Focused on formulas suitable for small breeds or all life stages.
- Considered protein sources that are less likely to cause allergies.
- Reviewed calorie density to help maintain healthy weight.
- Checked for added nutrients like omega-3s and probiotics.
- Selected products from reputable brands with good safety records.
- Compared price per serving to offer budget-friendly options.
- Never ranked a product higher just because it pays a commission.
What to avoid
- Avoid unnamed meat meals as the primary protein source.
- Be cautious with grain-free or legume-heavy raw diets; the FDA is investigating a potential link to DCM. Grain-inclusive raw diets are a safer default unless your vet advises otherwise.
- Do not feed all-life-stages food to a large-breed puppy, but for Maltese (small breed), all-life-stages is generally fine.
- Avoid abrupt diet switches; transition slowly over 7 to 10 days.
For more guidance, see our dog guides, dog food, and dog nutrition sections.
