Key Health Conditions That Affect Diet
Liver Shunt (PSS)
Maltese have one of the highest rates of portosystemic shunts of any breed. A shunt means blood bypasses the liver, causing toxin buildup. Easily digestible, moderate-protein diets reduce liver workload.
Dental Disease
Maltese have 42 adult teeth crammed into a tiny jaw. Nearly all Maltese will have significant dental disease by age 3 without intervention. Crunchy vegetables and dental-friendly foods help.
Hypoglycaemia
At 1.8–4 kg, Maltese have very low blood sugar reserves. Skipping meals can cause dangerous crashes, especially in puppies. Feed 3–4 times daily minimum.
Tear Staining
Red-brown tear staining around the eyes is very common. Foods high in antioxidants, filtered water, and avoiding artificial colours or preservatives can help reduce staining.
Foods to Feed Your Maltese
✅ Best Foods for Malteses
- Chicken breast — easily digestible, gentle on liver
- White fish (cod, tilapia) — low fat, low purine, gentle
- Turkey — lean, easily digestible protein
- White rice — easy on digestion and liver
- Carrots, green beans, courgette — low-allergen vegetables
- Blueberries (tiny amounts) — antioxidants for coat and eye health
- Cottage cheese (low fat) — easy protein, gentle on stomach
❌ Never Feed Your Maltese
- Liver and organ meats in large amounts — too rich for Maltese with PSS risk
- High-fat foods and table scraps — liver cannot process excess fat efficiently
- Artificial colours and preservatives — worsen tear staining
- Tap water with high iron content — contributes to tear staining (use filtered)
- Large hard treats or bones — major dental fracture and choking hazard
- Long gaps between meals — hypoglycaemia risk
Sample Homemade Recipe
🍽️ Maltese White Coat & Liver-Gentle Bowl
Easily digestible, tear-stain-reducing recipe for adult Maltese (~3 kg)
Instructions:
- Poach chicken in plain water — no seasoning, no oil.
- Shred chicken into tiny pieces suitable for a small dog.
- Steam vegetables until very soft. Mash well.
- Cook rice until very soft.
- Combine all. Mix in cottage cheese.
- Add fish oil and calcium just before serving.
- Divide into 3–4 portions throughout the day.
Nutrition Tips for Malteses
- Feed 3–4 small meals spread through the day — never let a Maltese skip meals
- Keep portion sizes tiny — at 3 kg, a Maltese needs only about 150–200 kcal per day
- Use filtered or bottled water — high mineral content in tap water contributes to tear staining
- Avoid any artificial colours, flavours or preservatives — these worsen tear staining
- If your Maltese has been diagnosed with a liver shunt, consult your vet for a protein-restricted plan
- Dental hygiene is critical — offer raw carrot sticks as natural tooth-cleaning treats
⚠️ Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Every dog is an individual — consult your vet or a board-certified veterinary nutritionist before making homemade food your Maltese's primary diet. Breed-to-Bowl accepts no liability for outcomes resulting from the use of this information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes tear staining in Maltese?
Tear staining in Maltese is caused by a pigment called porphyrin found in tears, saliva and urine. It shows up more on white coats. Causes include genetics, blocked tear ducts, food allergies, tap water mineral content, and artificial additives. Diet changes (avoiding artificial colours, using filtered water, adding antioxidants) can help but won't eliminate staining if it's genetic or structural.
Can Maltese eat chicken?
Yes — chicken breast is one of the best proteins for Maltese. It's lean, easily digestible, gentle on the liver, and low in purines. Always use skinless chicken breast cooked in plain water with no seasoning.
How often should I feed my Maltese?
At minimum 3 times daily for adult Maltese, and 4 times daily for puppies. At 1.8–4 kg, Maltese have very limited blood sugar reserves and are at risk of hypoglycaemia if they go long periods without food. Small, frequent meals throughout the day are essential.