Maltese feeding guide: how much and how often
Daily calories, portions by age and practical feeding tips for the Maltese.
A 3 kg adult usually needs only about 50 to 70 g of a small-breed dry food a day, roughly half to two-thirds of a cup, split into two meals. Because portions are so small, a few treats or a bite of your toast can add 20 percent to the day's calories. Weigh the food rather than scooping it, and count treats as part of the ration.
Very small puppies under about 1.5 kg (3 lb) can drop dangerously low in blood sugar if they skip meals, so feed three or four small meals a day until around 4 months and never let a young puppy go long without eating. A puppy that is suddenly weak, wobbly or trembling needs a vet straight away.
Bowl choice matters more than usual. A shallow, wide dish in stainless steel or ceramic keeps the facial hair out of the food and is easy to clean thoroughly, which helps with the reddish staining many Maltese develop around the mouth. Wipe the muzzle after meals and wash the water bowl daily, since damp, dirty facial hair discolors faster.
Maltese feeding in numbers
Illustrative adult portions
| Dog | Weight | Calories | Dry food per day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Female, relaxed lifestyle | 3 kg | 220 kcal | 60 g (0.5 cups) |
| Female, typical pet | 3 kg | 260 kcal | 70 g (0.8 cups) |
| Male, typical pet | 4 kg | 290 kcal | 75 g (0.8 cups) |
| Male, very active | 4 kg | 360 kcal | 95 g (1 cups) |
Puppy portions need measured weight, growth stage and the food’s energy content. A breed-average curve is not a feeding plan. Calculate with measured inputs and review the result with your vet.
Bowl capacity
500 ml
14 cm across
Product height estimate
13.5 to 19.5 cm
not a veterinary recommendation
Rough drinking estimate
0.2 to 0.2 L
keep fresh water freely available
Adult examples assume midpoint breed weights, neutered pets and food with 370 kcal per 100 g. Cups assume 100 g per cup; actual food density varies. These are not measured breed requirements. Use actual weight, the food label and veterinary body-condition advice.